aspartame

noun

as·​par·​tame ˈa-spər-ˌtām  ə-ˈspär-ˌtām 

: a crystalline compound C₁₄H₁₈N₂O₅ that is a diamide synthesized from phenylalanine and aspartic acid and that is used as a low-calorie sweetener

Examples of aspartame in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The cookies do not contain aspartame, a common artificial sweetener that has been flagged in recent years as a potential carcinogen, a cause of cancer. —Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 10 Dec. 2025

Oreo Zero Sugar Cookies are not sweetened with aspartame. —Sabrina Weiss, PEOPLE, 9 Dec. 2025

In many cases, the sugar has been replaced with aspartame, an artificial sweetener. —Holly Williams, CBS News, 30 Nov. 2025

Many studies show that sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose don’t cause major changes in blood sugar or insulin levels. —Lindsey Desoto, Health, 10 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

aspartic acid + phenylalanine + methyl + ester

First Known Use

1972, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for aspartame

• counterclaim
• overcame
• underframe
• username
• acclaim
• aflame
• airframe
• ballgame
• became
• declaim
• defame
• disclaim

Medical Definition

aspartame

noun

as·​par·​tame ˈas-pər-ˌtām  ə-ˈspär- 

: a crystalline dipeptide ester C₁₄H₁₈N₂O₅ that is synthesized from the amino acids phenylalanine and aspartic acid and is used as a low-calorie sweetener see nutrasweet