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

Practising Sikhs and Jains are also vegetarians and abstain from alcohol.

From BBC

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

Baumgartner said the new sausages appears to be a “hedge product” that appeals to traditional vegetarian and vegan consumers.

From Los Angeles Times

The book is pretty evenly divided, encompassing breakfast, dessert, vegetarian and then all forms of protein-based sandwiches.

From Salon