Meaning & Definition
noun
The kinds of food that a person, animal, or community habitually eats.
She follows a vegetarian diet to promote health and sustainability.
A special course of food to which one restricts oneself, either to lose weight or for medical reasons.
He is on a low-carb diet to help manage his diabetes.
The habitual nourishment of an organism, including its source and quantity of food.
The rabbit's diet consists mainly of vegetables and hay.
verb
To restrict oneself to small amounts or special kinds of food in order to lose weight.
She decided to diet before the summer to fit into her new swimsuit.
Etymology
From Old French 'diete' (meaning 'day's course'), from Latin 'diaeta', from Greek 'diaita' (meaning 'way of life').
Common Phrases and Expressions
go on a diet:
To start a controlled plan of food consumption for weight loss.
crash diet:
A restrictive and rapid weight loss plan that is not sustainable.
specific diet:
A diet that is designed for particular health conditions or goals.
Slang Meanings
Clean eating
She's into clean eating, avoiding processed foods for her diet.
Eating clean
He's committed to eating clean as part of his diet.