What does multivitamin mean?
A multivitamin is a dietary supplement that contains several different vitamins, usually representing more than one of the vitamin groups, such as vitamins A, C, and D. The term is most often used for tablets, capsules, powders, or other preparations intended to supplement nutrients obtained through food. People commonly take multivitamins during periods of restricted diet, increased nutritional needs, or limited sunlight exposure, although they are not automatically necessary for everyone and cannot replace a varied, balanced diet. The word is also used more broadly for products that combine vitamins with minerals or other ingredients. In both medical and commercial contexts, “multivitamin” distinguishes a product containing multiple vitamins from a preparation supplying one specific vitamin.
nounA preparation containing vitamins from several different vitamin groups, typically intended to supplement the vitamins obtained from food.
- A preparation or supplement containing vitamins from more than one vitamin group.
- Any combination of several vitamins regarded as a dietary supplement.
"She took a multivitamin every morning during the winter."
"The pharmacist recommended a daily multivitamin for people with limited sun exposure."
"This fortified cereal provides many of the same nutrients as a multivitamin, though it is not a substitute for a balanced diet."
The usual plural when referring to several multivitamin supplements or to multiple doses or types of multivitamin.
"The doctor advised her to avoid taking multivitamins without checking her existing medications."
The word combines “multiple” with “vitamin,” making its all-in-one purpose clear: one supplement for several essential nutrients.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does multivitamin come from?
“Multivitamin” was formed in the early 20th century by combining “multi-” with “vitamin,” a word coined from Latin vita, “life,” because vitamins were understood to support life and health. “Vitamin” itself combines the Latin roots vita, “life,” and amine, referring to a chemical compound once thought to be an amine. Related English words include “vitality” and “vivacious,” which also derive from Latin vita.
Related word forms
How multivitamin is actually used
Usually countable, with “multivitamins” as the standard plural. It is commonly used for supplements marketed as containing multiple vitamins; medical and nutritional advice still depends on individual dietary needs.
Easily confused with multivitamin
A vitamin refers to any individual vitamin or vitamin compound, whereas a multivitamin is a preparation containing several different vitamins.