essential

1 of 2

adjective

es·​sen·​tial i-ˈsen(t)-shəl How to pronounce essential (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or constituting essence : inherent
2
a
: of the utmost importance : basic, indispensable, necessary
an essential requirement for admission to college
b
: being a substance that is not synthesized by the body in a quantity sufficient for normal health and growth and that must be obtained from the diet
a vegetable oil rich in essential fatty acids
see also essential amino acid compare nonessential sense 2
3
: idiopathic
essential disease
essential hypertension
essentialness noun

essential

2 of 2

noun

1
: something basic
the essentials of astronomy
2
: something necessary, indispensable, or unavoidable
Choose the Right Synonym for essential

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 essential in a Sentence

Adjective As a fighter pilot, he knows that good vision is essential. Free speech is an essential right of citizenship. The essential problem with this plan is that it will cost too much. There's no essential difference between the two products. Noun the essentials for success include a willingness to work and the right attitude this will be just an introduction to the essentials of computer programming
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
That push proved to be essential as neither team put together a big scoring run the rest of the way. Ivan Carter, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Mar. 2024 That is why smartphones have become essential pieces of kit. Florence Ion / Gizmodo, Quartz, 9 Mar. 2024 When perusing the Bon Appétit 56—our 56 essential recipes to cook in 2024—you’ll find several recipes that call on this spice: Indi-Mex Lamb Keema Tacos, beloved Halal Cart Chicken Salad, vegetarian Eggplant Biryani, and punchy Pav Bhaji With So Much Butter. Carly Westerfield, Bon Appétit, 9 Mar. 2024 Necessary efforts to control measles outbreaks pull millions of dollars’ worth of critical resources away from other essential public health functions such as ensuring food safety, preventing injuries and chronic diseases, and responding to disasters. Discover Magazine, 8 Mar. 2024 Cattle that have survived the blazes relatively unscathed are still suffering, as are their owners, as the fires took out essential resources. Li Cohen, CBS News, 7 Mar. 2024 The 1998 premiere of Total Request Live returned the focus to videos, but artist appearances were still essential. Joe Lynch, Billboard, 6 Mar. 2024 At the same time, players like Musiala and Davies could become essential faces of the next golden generation of homegrown players. Manuel Veth, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 For individuals without an accounting degree, understanding these requirements and how to meet them is essential. Bryce Welker, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2024
Noun
The insulated compartment keeps your food separate from the rest of your belongings, and there are more zippered compartments for other essentials. Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Parents, 8 Mar. 2024 Thus far, Villeneuve has been exceedingly faithful to his source material (his approach to Dune’s adaption was about finding character and story essentials and cutting out the rest, rather than making significant changes). James Hibberd, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Mar. 2024 Albertsons With a weekly essentials shop coming out at $63.18, Albertsons takes fourth place. Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Mar. 2024 So, whether your next camping trip involves backpacking in Glacier National Park or vacationing in your 40-foot-long RV at a KOA resort, these are the 14 camping essentials that this lifelong camper recommends having on hand. Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 3 Mar. 2024 Here are four savvy tips to launch a business relatively cheaply: Factor cost-cutting in from the start Focus on the essentials, to start. Virginia H, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 The Red Cross, which is running a shelter at the Dome Civic and Convention Center in Borger, is asking for essentials such as water, diapers, wet wipes and nonperishable food — but not clothing or furniture. Nigel Chiwaya, NBC News, 29 Feb. 2024 Thankfully her boyfriend's closet supplied some of the essentials. Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 29 Feb. 2024 There are dedicated spaces for your sleeping bag, sleeping pad, hydration reservoir, and water bottles as well as two zippered hip belt pockets and a front pocket for easy access essentials. Jessica MacDonald, Travel + Leisure, 27 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'essential.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of essential was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near essential

Cite this Entry

“Essential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/essential. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

essential

1 of 2 adjective
es·​sen·​tial i-ˈsen-chəl How to pronounce essential (audio)
1
: forming or belonging to the essence
free speech is an essential right of citizenship
2
: containing or having the character of an easily evaporated essence
essential oils
3
: important in the highest degree : necessary
food is essential to life
essentiality
-ˌsen-chē-ˈal-ət-ē
noun
essentially adverb
essentialness noun

essential

2 of 2 noun
: something basic, necessary, or indispensable
the essentials for success

Medical Definition

essential

adjective
es·​sen·​tial i-ˈsen-chəl How to pronounce essential (audio)
1
: being, relating to, or containing an essence
an essential odor
2
: being a substance that is not synthesized by the body in a quantity sufficient for normal health and growth and that must be obtained from the diet
The body converts linoleic acid—an essential fatty acid that makes up 60 percent of corn oil—into arachidonic acid.Janet Raloff, Science News
see essential amino acid compare nonessential
3
: having no obvious or known cause : idiopathic
essential disease

More from Merriam-Webster on essential

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