adjective
Uncommon
dietary
DEYE-uht-ree
Dietary (adjective) means relating to diet or to what someone eats. Example: “The nurse asked about his dietary restrictions before the surgery.”
adjective
1
Relating to diet or to what someone eats.
"If you have any dietary requirements, please inform the kitchen staff."
"The nurse asked about his dietary restrictions before the surgery."
"They made major dietary changes after the diagnosis."
"Please tell us about any dietary needs before you book the restaurant table."
How to use dietary
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDescribes anything to do with what a person eats — restrictions, habits, or requirements.
Common pairings
dietary requirements
dietary restrictions
dietary needs
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like dietary.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- dietaries
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The nurse asked about his _____ restrictions before the surgery.
Etymology
From Medieval Latin diaetarium, "a book prescribing diet," based on Latin diaeta, "diet."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for dietary
See all rhymes for dietary →Frequently asked questions
What does “dietary” mean?
The word “dietary” means relating to diet or to what someone eats. In plain terms, describes anything to do with what a person eats — restrictions, habits, or requirements.
How do you pronounce “dietary”?
“Dietary” is pronounced DEYE-uht-ree (/ˈdaɪəˌtɛɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “dietary” in a sentence?
Here is “dietary” used in a sentence: “The nurse asked about his dietary restrictions before the surgery.”
What part of speech is “dietary”?
“Dietary” is an adjective.
Where does the word “dietary” come from?
The word “dietary” comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin diaetarium, "a book prescribing diet," based on Latin diaeta, "diet.".
Is “dietary” a common word?
“Dietary” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between "dietary" and "nutritional"?
"Dietary" specifically describes what a person eats or their pattern of eating, as in "dietary habits" or "dietary restrictions." "Nutritional" is broader and refers to the value or content of nutrients in food itself, as in "nutritional information."
What are common collocations with "dietary"?
"Dietary" is frequently paired with words like requirements, restrictions, needs, fiber, and supplement, as in "dietary requirements" on a menu or "dietary supplement" on a product label. These combinations almost always relate to what a person eats or should avoid eating.
Is "dietary" used the same way in medical and everyday contexts?
Yes, "dietary" keeps the same core meaning relating to diet or what someone eats in both settings. Doctors use it in phrases like "dietary changes" for treatment plans, while it appears just as naturally in restaurant menus asking about "dietary requirements."
