growth hormone

noun

1

: a vertebrate polypeptide hormone that is secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland and regulates growth

also : a recombinant version of this hormone

called also somatotropin

2

: growth regulator

Examples of growth hormone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The unforgettable fight was part of 2018's Andre the Giant, which looked back at the life of the wrestler, whose size was a result of gigantism caused by excess growth hormone. —Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 21 May 2026

For the last 30 years, they've been raised without antibiotics, growth hormones, or grains. —Logan Smith, CBS News, 18 May 2026

Resistance training appears to prime a stronger nighttime growth hormone pulse, stacking the daytime signal with overnight repair. —Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 6 May 2026

Similar to how GLP-1s (glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists) suppress appetite and trigger weight loss, peptides can signal other functions, like the release of growth hormones. —Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for growth hormone

• acetone
• anglophone
• baritone
• bourguignon
• buspirone
• chaperon
• chaperone
• cobblestone
• collarbone
• cornerstone
• cortisone
• dictaphone

Kids Definition

growth hormone

noun

: a hormone in plants or animals that regulates growth

especially : one produced by the pituitary gland

Medical Definition

growth hormone

noun

: a vertebrate polypeptide hormone that is secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland and regulates growth

also : a recombinant version of this hormone

called also somatotropic hormone, somatotropin

see human growth hormone