1
a
: 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
2
a
: 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
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.
Recent Examples on the Web
The Publisher Playbook Ligue 1 McDonald’s approach offers a replicable playbook for sports publishers and leagues worldwide:
In today’s dynamic digital landscape, building global fan communities is a vital element of any winning strategy.
—
Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025
In this period of crisis and turmoil, voicing support for higher education and science is vital!
—Lisa Eyler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Aug. 2025
But that rare double-dipping aside, the Naruto movies function as vital extensions of the series.
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Meanwhile, people with disabilities are left without vital medical equipment, including walkers, wheelchairs, canes, and hearing aids.
—Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2025
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Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025
In this period of crisis and turmoil, voicing support for higher education and science is vital!
—Lisa Eyler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Aug. 2025
But that rare double-dipping aside, the Naruto movies function as vital extensions of the series.
—Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 4 Aug. 2025
Meanwhile, people with disabilities are left without vital medical equipment, including walkers, wheelchairs, canes, and hearing aids.
—Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vital
Cite this Entry
“Vital.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vital. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
vital
adjective
vi·tal
ˈvīt-ᵊl 
1
: concerned with or necessary to the continuation of life
the heart and lungs are vital organs
2
: full of vitality : animated
3
: characteristic of life or of living things
vital activities
4
: destructive of life : fatal
a vital wound
5
: of first importance
a vital clue
Etymology
Middle English vital "alive, full of life, relating to life," from Latin vitalis "of life," from vita "life"
Medical Definition
vital
adjective
vi·tal
ˈvīt-ᵊl
1
a
: existing as a manifestation of life
b
: concerned with or necessary to the maintenance of life
vital organs
blood and other vital fluids
2
: characteristic of life or living beings
vital activities
3
: recording data relating to lives
vital records
4
: of, relating to, or constituting the staining of living tissues
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