vegetarian

[ vej-i-tair-ee-uhn ]

noun

1. a person who does not eat or does not believe in eating meat, fish, fowl, or, in some cases, any food derived from animals, as eggs or cheese, but subsists on vegetables, fruits, nuts, grain, etc.

adjective

1. of or relating to vegetarianism or vegetarians.
2. devoted to or advocating this practice.
3. consisting solely of vegetables:

   vegetarian vegetable soup.

vegetarian

/ ˌvɛdʒɪˈtɛərɪən /

noun

1. a person who advocates or practises vegetarianism

adjective

1. relating to, advocating, or practising vegetarianism
2. cookery strictly, consisting of vegetables and fruit only, but usually including milk, cheese, eggs, etc

Other Words From

• nonveg·e·tari·an adjective noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of vegetarian¹

First recorded in 1835–45; veget(able) + -arian

Example Sentences

There’s also a vegetarian version made with paneer.

From Salon

As of January 2022, about 10% of Americans over the age of 18 considered themselves vegetarian or vegan.

From Salon

My sister and I went with the tasting menu, which featured international flavors and uplifted vegetarian options.

From Salon

He said some shops were "evolving" with the times by offering vegetarian options and delivery services.

From BBC

The climate benefits of eating less meat are one reason that school districts across the country have introduced more vegetarian — and to a lesser degree, vegan — lunch options.

From Salon