English Reference

Word

ingredient

Phoneticsin·gre·di·ent, stress on the second syllable

US/ˌɪnˈɡɹidiənt/

UK/ɪnɡɹˈiːdiənt/

Definitions

01food component

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Cooking

n. one of the foods you use to make a particular dish.

n. any of the substances that are combined to make a particular dish.

“The secret ingredient in her famous chocolate cake is a pinch of sea salt.”

“The chef insisted on sourcing every ingredient locally to ensure the seasonal menu reflected the authentic flavours of the region.”

Usage

Often used with the preposition 'for' or 'in'.

02necessary element

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a quality or part of something that is needed to make it successful.

n. a necessary part or characteristic of a complex situation or abstract concept. Figurative use.

“Trust is the most important ingredient in a long-lasting friendship.”

“Economists argue that a stable regulatory environment is a vital ingredient for sustained national growth and foreign investment.”

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “ingredient” in context.

Verb

01. add ingredient

“Add the dry ingredients to the bowl and mix them thoroughly.”

verb + noun

02. combine ingredient

“Combine all the ingredients in a large pot and bring to a boil.”

verb + noun

03. ingredient include

“The ingredients include flour, eggs, sugar, and a pinch of salt.”

noun + verb

04. list ingredient

“Food manufacturers are required by law to list all ingredients on the label.”

verb + noun

Adjective

05. essential ingredient

“Hard work is an essential ingredient for achieving your career goals.”

adj + noun

06. fresh ingredient

“The chef insists on using only the finest fresh ingredients in his dishes.”

adj + noun

07. key ingredient

“Trust is a key ingredient in any successful long-term relationship.”

adj + noun

08. natural ingredient

“This skincare range is made entirely from natural ingredients.”

adj + noun

Noun

09. list of ingredients

“Check the list of ingredients to see if the product contains nuts.”

noun + prep + noun

10. active ingredient

11. have all the ingredients for

“The new startup has all the ingredients for a major success.”

12. mix the ingredients together

“Carefully mix the ingredients together until the batter is smooth.”

Etymology

From Middle French ingredient, from Latin ingrediens, present participle of ingredior (“to go or enter into or onto”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Domain

Cooking

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Frequency
Frequent
Level
B1 · IntermediateOxford
Updated

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English Reference