regimen

noun

reg·​i·​men ˈre-jə-mən How to pronounce regimen (audio)
also
ˈre-zhə- How to pronounce regimen (audio)
1
a
: a systematic plan (as of diet, therapy, or medication) especially when designed to improve and maintain the health of a patient
b
: a regular course of action and especially of strenuous training
the daily regimen of athletes
2
3

Did you know?

Being but humble lexicographers, we cannot say whether an apple a day truly keeps the doctor away, but as far as regimens go, one could do a lot worse than snackin’ on a McIntosh. Regimen, which usually refers to a system of rules or guidelines—often for living a healthy life or taking a regular dose of exercise—comes ultimately from a Latin verb, regere, meaning “to direct.” Regere led in apple-pie order to the English word regimen, first by way of the Latin noun regimen, meaning “steering” or “control,” and then via the Medieval Latin regimen, referring to a set of rules. Other regere descendants fell further from the tree, including correct, erect, region, rule, and surge. Be sure not to confuse regimen with another of its kin, regiment, which refers to a military unit, as doing so could upset the apple cart.

Examples of regimen in a Sentence

with the start of the new year, a new party will have regimen over the nation and, hopefully, bring some much-needed change
Recent Examples on the Web Using a holistic approach that includes regular exercise and other lifestyle tweaks, Winfrey added a weight-loss medication to her regimen last year. Elizabeth Leonard, Peoplemag, 19 Mar. 2024 Most people in the United States enroll in hospice for just a short time, many after pushing the limits of their chemo regimen. Amy Ettinger, Washington Post, 9 Mar. 2024 Check with a health care provider about potential options for changing your medication regimen. Azmia Ricchuito, SELF, 7 Mar. 2024 The singer says a meticulous skin care regimen has become part of his self-care practice. USA TODAY, 6 Mar. 2024 But then the cancer returned, requiring a harsher regimen of therapies this time around. Meg Tirrell, CNN, 3 Mar. 2024 The lack of an adequate pilot training regimen was equally clear. Peter Georgescu, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 More great reads The new beauty regimen: Lose weight with Ozempic, tighten up with cosmetic surgery. Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2024 Add the Dime Restorative Night Cream as the final touch to your nighttime regimen to reveal smoother, softer skin by morning. Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 8 Mar. 2024

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

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin regimin-, regimen position of authority, direction, set of rules, from Latin, steering, control, from regere to direct

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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

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Dictionary Entries Near regimen

Cite this Entry

“Regimen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/regimen. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

regimen

noun
reg·​i·​men ˈrej-ə-mən How to pronounce regimen (audio)
-ˌmen
1
: a regular course of treatment
2
: a form of government : rule

Medical Definition

regimen

noun
reg·​i·​men
ˈrej-ə-mən also ˈrezh-ə-
: a systematic plan (as of diet, therapy, or medication) especially when designed to improve and maintain the health of a patient

More from Merriam-Webster on regimen

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