glucose

noun

glu·​cose ˈglü-ˌkōs 

-ˌkōz

1

: a crystalline sugar C₆H₁₂O₆

specifically : the sweet colorless soluble dextrorotatory form that occurs widely in nature and is the usual form in which carbohydrate is assimilated by animals

2

: a light-colored syrup made from cornstarch

Examples of glucose in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Peter is highly data-oriented, using tools such as glucose monitoring to better understand his diet, and tracking sleep patterns and behavioral metrics. —Sarwant Singh, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026

Free health screenings including blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose and BMI also will be offered, along with complimentary vision screenings at select stores. —Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 23 Jan. 2026

The success of the endocrinology program will be measured by number of patients served but also disease management such as patients' blood glucose levels over time using tests for A1C levels, Butler said. —Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 23 Jan. 2026

Honey is rich in fructose and glucose—natural sugars—as well as minerals and flavonoids. —Mark Gurarie, Health, 22 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, modification of Greek gleukos must, sweet wine; akin to Greek glykys sweet — more at dulcet

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing glucose

• glucose phosphate
• glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase

Rhymes for glucose

• arkose
• engross
• faroese
• fructose
• fucose
• gatos
• jocose
• morose
• vadose
• adios
• adipose
• amylose

Kids Definition

glucose

noun

glu·​cose ˈglü-ˌkōs 

: a sugar that occurs especially in a naturally occurring form that is found in plants, fruits, and blood and is a source of energy for living things

Medical Definition

glucose

noun

glu·​cose ˈglü-ˌkōs, -ˌkōz 

: an optically active sugar C₆H₁₂O₆ that has an aldehydic carbonyl group

especially : the sweet colorless soluble dextrorotatory form that occurs widely in nature and is the usual form in which carbohydrate is assimilated by animals