LDL

noun

ˌel-(ˌ)dē-ˈel 

: a lipoprotein of blood plasma that is composed of a moderate proportion of protein with little triglyceride and a high proportion of cholesterol and that is associated with increased probability of developing atherosclerosis : bad cholesterol compare hdl

Examples of LDL in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The oatmeal-only group saw about a 10% reduction in their low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and about an 8% reduction in their total cholesterol. —Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 9 Feb. 2026

Factors such as being overweight or having diabetes or high triglyceride levels make that mismatch between normal LDL and elevated apoB more likely. —Akshay Syal, NBC news, 8 Feb. 2026

That's because peanuts are rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which help lower LDL and support healthy HDL levels. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 7 Feb. 2026

Research suggests pectin may help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. —Zia Sherrell, Health, 7 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

low-density lipoprotein

First Known Use

1962, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

LDL

noun

ˈel-ˈdē-ˈel 

: a lipoprotein of blood plasma that is composed of a moderate proportion of protein with little triglyceride and a high proportion of cholesterol and that is associated with increased probability of developing atherosclerosis

called also bad cholesterol, beta-lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein

compare hdl, vldl