noun

veganism

VEE-guh-niz-uhm

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Veganism (noun) means a way of living that avoids eating animal products and, more broadly, avoids using anything made from or tested on animals. Example: “She switched to veganism two years ago and no longer eats eggs, dairy or honey.”

noun

A way of living that avoids eating animal products and, more broadly, avoids using anything made from or tested on animals.

"She switched to veganism two years ago and no longer eats eggs, dairy or honey."

"After years of veganism, she found it easy to spot hidden animal products on ingredient labels."

"His veganism extends beyond food to the clothes and cosmetics he buys."

How to use veganism

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishLiving without using or eating anything that comes from animals.

When to use it

Veganism is a neutral, everyday word suited to both casual and formal writing.

Memory tip

If someone still eats eggs or cheese, the correct word for their diet is vegetarianism, not veganism.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

vegetarianism →

Common pairings

practising veganism ethical veganism years of veganism switch to veganism

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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 “veganism” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She switched to _____ two years ago and no longer eats eggs, dairy or honey.

Etymology

Formed in English by adding the suffix -ism (forming a practice, system or belief) to the adjective vegan.

Origin: English

Rhymes for veganism

humanism organism shamanism mechanism hooliganism microorganism vegetarianism republicanism utilitarianism authoritarianism

See all rhymes for veganism →

Frequently asked questions

What does veganism mean?

It means avoiding animal products in your diet, and often in wider life choices such as clothing and other goods.

Is veganism the same as vegetarianism?

No. Vegetarianism usually still allows dairy, eggs and honey, while veganism avoids all animal products.

What is ethical veganism?

It is a term some people use to make clear that their veganism is about avoiding harm to animals generally, not just about their own diet.

What is the meaning of veganism?

"veganism" (noun) means a way of living that avoids eating animal products and, more broadly, avoids using anything made from or tested on animals.