noun
vegetarianism
vej-ih-TAIR-ee-uh-niz-um
Vegetarianism (noun) means the practice of following a vegetarian diet. Example: “Her vegetarianism began when she was a teenager.”
noun
1
The practice of following a vegetarian diet.
"Her vegetarianism began when she was a teenager."
"Vegetarianism has become more common in many countries."
"He wrote a short book on the history of vegetarianism."
How to use vegetarianism
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEating a diet that follows vegetarian rules, rather than eating meat.
When to use it
It is a neutral term, used in both everyday and formal writing.
Memory tip
It is normally uncountable, so you do not usually say 'a vegetarianism'.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
practise vegetarianism
strict vegetarianism
convert to vegetarianism
ethical vegetarianism
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Her _____ began when she was a teenager.
Etymology
It is formed from vegetarian plus the suffix -ism. It has been recorded since around 1847, when the British Vegetarian Society was founded.
Rhymes for vegetarianism
humanism
veganism
organism
shamanism
mechanism
hooliganism
microorganism
republicanism
equestrianism
utilitarianism
authoritarianism
See all rhymes for vegetarianism →
Frequently asked questions
What is vegetarianism?
Vegetarianism is the practice of following a vegetarian diet.
How do you pronounce vegetarianism?
In British English it is roughly 'vej-ih-TAIR-ee-uh-niz-um', with the stress on 'tair'.
Is vegetarianism the same as veganism?
No. They are related but separate words, and veganism has its own entry.
What is the meaning of vegetarianism?
"vegetarianism" (noun) means the practice of following a vegetarian diet.
