vegetarian

/ˌvɛdʒɪˈtɛriən/
person who does not eat meat

She became a vegetarian after learning about animal welfare.

She stopped eating meat because she cares about animal treatment.


general

A person who does not eat meat, often for ethical, environmental, or health reasons.

Many restaurants now offer vegetarian options on their menus.

More places are providing food choices that don't include meat.

Vegetarians may still consume dairy, eggs, or other animal products, unless they are vegan.

Collocations

strict vegetariansomeone who avoids all animal products, including eggs and dairyvegetarian dieta meal plan that excludes meatvegetarianismthe practice of following a vegetarian diet

Related Phrases

veganphrase
a person who avoids all animal products, including dairy and eggs
flexitarianphrase
a person who mostly follows a vegetarian diet but occasionally eats meat

Pro Tip

Common Misconception

Not all vegetarians avoid dairy or eggs—some do, but others don't.

Gold Rule

Key Distinction

Vegetarians avoid meat but may consume other animal products, while vegans avoid all animal products.

Word Origin

From Latin 'vegetus' (healthy, fresh) + '-arian' (relating to). First used in English in the 1830s.

Usage Notes

The term can also refer to food or products that do not contain meat.

Word Breakdown

veget-
relating to plants or plant-based
root
+
-arian
relating to or belonging to a group
suffix
English Dictionary