es·sen·tial
i-ˈsen(t)-shəl 
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
1
: something basic
the essentials of astronomy
2
: something necessary, indispensable, or unavoidable
Synonyms
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
Outside Online, 11 Nov. 2024
For centuries, immigrants have been an essential part of the American story.
—Josh Becker, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024
Election Night essentials:Bill Hemmer says election night runs on adrenaline — and 1 a.m. pizza
Who is Bill Hemmer?
—Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for essential 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Adjective
For them, a durable carry-on is as essential as a boarding pass.
—Outside Online, 11 Nov. 2024
For centuries, immigrants have been an essential part of the American story.
—Josh Becker, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
Noun
Their work, from distributing essentials to providing hot meals, shows the power of community.
—Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024
Election Night essentials:Bill Hemmer says election night runs on adrenaline — and 1 a.m. pizza
Who is Bill Hemmer?
—Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for essential
Dictionary Entries Near essential
Cite this Entry
“Essential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/essential. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
essential
1 of 2 adjective
es·sen·tial
i-ˈsen-chəl
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
noun
-ˌsen-chē-ˈal-ət-ē
essential
2 of 2 noun
: something basic, necessary, or indispensable
the essentials for success
Medical Definition
essential
adjective
es·sen·tial
i-ˈsen-chəl
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
Janet Raloff, Science News3
: having no obvious or known cause : idiopathic
essential disease
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share