1 vital | Definition of vital
Logo
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

vital

adjective
vi·​tal | \ ˈvÄ«-tᵊl How to pronounce vital (audio) \

Definition of vital

1a : of the utmost importance a vital clue vital resources
b : fundamentally concerned with or affecting life or living beings: such as
(1) : tending to renew or refresh the living : invigorating
(2) : destructive to life : mortal
2a : concerned with or necessary to the maintenance of life vital organs blood and other vital fluids
b : existing as a manifestation of life
3 : full of life and vigor : animated
4 : characteristic of life or living beings
5 : recording data relating to lives
6 : of, relating to, or constituting the staining of living tissues
Other Words from vital Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about vital

Keep scrolling for more

Other Words from vital

vitally \ ˈvÄ«-​tᵊl-​Ä“ How to pronounce vitally (audio) \ adverb

Choose the Right Synonym for vital

essential, fundamental, vital, cardinal mean so important as to be indispensable. essential implies belonging to the very nature of a thing and therefore being incapable of removal without destroying the thing itself or its character. conflict is essential in drama fundamental applies to something that is a foundation without which an entire system or complex whole would collapse. fundamental principles of algebra vital suggests something that is necessary to a thing's continued existence or operation. cut off from vital supplies cardinal suggests something on which an outcome turns or depends. a cardinal rule in buying a home

Examples of vital in a Sentence

These matters are vital to national defense. The sciences are a vital part of the school curriculum. your heart, lungs, and other vital organs Exercise keeps her young and vital.
See More

Recent Examples on the Web

 Pressuring Herbert will be vital for Auburn’s defense. — Tom Green | Tgreen@al.com, al, "Tiger Buzz: Breaking down Auburn-Oregon," 31 Aug. 2019 Drinking water Just like snacks and food, extra water is vital for keeping healthy and alert during long trips. — Max Cohen, USA TODAY, "Hitting the road? Packing these 10 simple things could save your life," 31 Aug. 2019 Moreover, the port of Aden is vital for the import and distribution of basic supplies and services across Yemen, and insecurity threatens its operation. — Washington Post, "Six reasons the crisis in Yemen’s south matters," 30 Aug. 2019 Ramos argues that unanimity is vital to a jury’s proper functioning. — Matt Ford, The New Republic, "Jim Crow Returns to the Supreme Court," 28 Aug. 2019 In other words, rainforests are vital to the survival of the planet. — Rose Stokes, refinery29.com, "Environmental Horror & Political Scandal: What You Need To Know About The Amazon Rainforest Fires," 24 Aug. 2019 His shot-stopping can be vital for the Gunners, who will likely face plenty of pressure from Liverpool's dynamic forward line. — SI.com, "Liverpool vs Arsenal: Picking a Combined XI Ahead of Saturday's Premier League Clash," 23 Aug. 2019 Margot Saunders, senior counsel at the advocacy group National Consumer Law Center, says that raising awareness about both of these concepts is vital to identifying and finding robocallers. — Lily Hay Newman, WIRED, "The Fight Against Robocalls Gets Powerful New Allies," 22 Aug. 2019 All organisms feel pain, which is vital to avoiding threats. — Elizabeth Culotta, Science | AAAS, "Have humans developed natural defenses against suicide?," 22 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'vital.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

See More

First Known Use of vital

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2b

History and Etymology for vital

Middle English, from Latin vitalis of life, from vita life; akin to Latin vivere to live — more at quick entry 1

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for vital

vital

adjective
How to pronounce vital (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of vital

: extremely important
: needed by your body in order to keep living
: very lively or energetic

See the full definition for vital in the English Language Learners Dictionary

vital

adjective
vi·​tal | \ ˈvÄ«-tᵊl How to pronounce vital (audio) \

Kids Definition of vital

1 : concerned with or necessary to the continuation of life The heart and lungs are vital organs.
2 : full of life and energy At 80, he's still an active and vital man.
3 : very important a vital clue

Other Words from vital

vitally adverb These are vitally needed supplies.

WORD OF THE DAY

See Definitions and Examples

Get Word of the Day daily email!