Word
vegetarianism
Phoneticsveg·e·tar·i·an·ism
US/ˌvɛdʒəˈtɛˌɹiəˌnɪzəm/
UK/vˌɛdʒɪtˈeəɹiənˌɪzəm/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. a way of eating that avoids meat and fish. You eat vegetables, fruit, grains, and often eggs and dairy.
n. abstention from meat and fish for ethical, health, or environmental reasons. Typically includes plant foods and often dairy products and eggs, distinct from veganism.
Examples
“She follows vegetarianism for health and ethical reasons.”
“After watching a documentary on factory farming, he explored vegetarianism and started cooking lentil curries at home.”
“While vegetarianism reduces meat-related emissions, nutritionists note that balanced meal planning remains essential to avoid iron and vitamin B12 deficiencies.”
Examples
simple
“She follows vegetarianism for health and ethical reasons.”
contextual
“After watching a documentary on factory farming, he explored vegetarianism and started cooking lentil curries at home.”
complex
“While vegetarianism reduces meat-related emissions, nutritionists note that balanced meal planning remains essential to avoid iron and vitamin B12 deficiencies.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “vegetarianism” in context.
Verb
01. adopt vegetarianism
“She decided to adopt vegetarianism after learning about healthy eating.”
verb + noun
02. embrace vegetarianism
“More families are embracing vegetarianism to eat more healthily.”
verb + noun
03. promote vegetarianism
“The school campaign promotes vegetarianism as a healthy and kind choice.”
verb + noun
04. switch to vegetarianism
“He wants to switch to vegetarianism for his health and the planet.”
verb + prep + noun
Adjective
05. ethical vegetarianism
“Many young people choose ethical vegetarianism to protect animals and the environment.”
adj + noun
06. modern vegetarianism
“Modern vegetarianism offers many tasty options in supermarkets and restaurants.”
adj + noun
07. strict vegetarianism
“Strict vegetarianism avoids meat, fish, eggs and dairy products completely.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. case for vegetarianism
“There is a strong case for vegetarianism to protect our health.”
noun + prep + noun
09. form of vegetarianism
“Veganism is a strict form of vegetarianism without eggs or dairy.”
noun + prep + noun
10. rise of vegetarianism
“The rise of vegetarianism has changed menus in many schools.”
noun + prep + noun
11. adopt vegetarianism for health reasons
“He adopted vegetarianism for health reasons after talking to his doctor.”
12. consider vegetarianism as an option
“If you love animals, consider vegetarianism as an option for you.”
Real-World Examples
“She also had a visceral aversion to eating animals, and became a vegetarian by 2010 before coming to regard vegetarianism as an unacceptable compromise to veganism.” Etymology
Attested since circa 1847, when the British Vegetarian Society was founded. From vegetarian + -ism.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
Related words
- 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
- Occasional
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/vegetarianism