noun

intermittent fasting

in-tuh-MIT-uhnt FAST-ing

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Intermittent fasting (noun) means an eating pattern that alternates set periods of eating with set periods of taking no food, such as eating only between midday and eight in the evening, or eating normally on some days and very little on others. It sets when food is eaten rather than what is eaten. Example: “She tried intermittent fasting for a month, eating only between noon and eight.”

noun

nutrition, health An eating pattern that alternates set periods of eating with set periods of taking no food, such as eating only between midday and eight in the evening, or eating normally on some days and very little on others. It sets when food is eaten rather than what is eaten.

"She tried intermittent fasting for a month, eating only between noon and eight."

"Intermittent fasting is described by its schedule, such as 16:8 or 5:2."

How to use intermittent fasting

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEating only during certain hours or on certain days, and not eating the rest of the time.

When to use it

Neutral term used in both popular health writing and research papers; often abbreviated to IF in informal contexts.

Memory tip

Describing the pattern is not the same as endorsing it; the term names a schedule and nothing more.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

time-restricted eating calorie restriction a religious fast the 5:2 diet

Common pairings

do intermittent fasting intermittent fasting window 16:8 intermittent fasting break a fast fasting period

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “intermittent fasting” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She tried _____ for a month, eating only between noon and eight.

Etymology

From intermittent, ultimately from Latin intermittere 'to leave off, interrupt', plus fasting, from Old English fæstan 'to abstain from food'.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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time-restricted eating IF alternate-day fasting fasting protocol

Antonyms

continuous grazing unrestricted eating

Related words

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Rhymes for intermittent fasting

casting tasting lasting fasting wasting pasting boasting coasting roasting feasting blasting toasting

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between intermittent fasting and a diet?

A conventional diet mainly changes what is eaten, such as cutting sugar or limiting portions. Intermittent fasting mainly changes when food is eaten, leaving the choice of foods open. The two can overlap, since some people apply both at once.

What do 16:8 and 5:2 mean?

They are shorthand for the schedule. 16:8 means all food is eaten within an eight-hour window each day, with no food for the other sixteen hours. 5:2 means eating normally on five days of the week and sharply restricting intake on the other two.

Does drinking water break a fast?

Definitions differ, but most descriptions of intermittent fasting treat water, black coffee and plain tea as permitted during the fasting period because they supply little or no energy. Drinks containing sugar, milk or other calories are usually counted as ending the fast.

What is the meaning of intermittent fasting?

"intermittent fasting" (noun) means an eating pattern that alternates set periods of eating with set periods of taking no food, such as eating only between midday and eight in the evening, or eating normally on some days and very little on others. It sets when food is eaten rather than what is eaten.

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