a strict vegetarian; someone who eats no animal or dairy products at all
"After adopting a vegan lifestyle, she stopped eating meat and ensured that her coffee came from a plant-based milk source."
A person who does not eat, drink or otherwise consume any animal products
"The traveler shared stories about his home on Vega before heading to the market."
Someone from Vega, which is either a town in Norway, Sweden, or Texas, or (science fiction) the system of the star.
In plain English: A vegan is someone who does not eat any animal products and avoids using items made from animals.
"She is a vegan who eats no meat, dairy, or eggs at all."
Not containing animal products (meat, eggs, milk, leather, etc) or inherently involving animal use.
"The astronomer's new telescope is named after the bright blue-white star known as Vega, making it a truly vegan instrument in her eyes."
Relating to Vega (the star).
In plain English: Vegan means avoiding all animal products and using only plant-based items for food, clothing, and other things.
"She is always careful to choose vegan options when she eats out at restaurants."
Usage: While often used interchangeably with "vegetarian," veganism excludes all animal-derived ingredients and byproducts beyond just meat. In casual conversation, it is frequently mistaken for a dietary preference rather than an ethical lifestyle choice that avoids leather, wool, and other non-food items.
The word vegan is a shortened form of "vegetarian" or "vegetable." It was coined in 1944 by English activist Donald Watson for his new society and publication.