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

Whole plant foods, soluble fiber, and unsaturated fats can help lower LDL cholesterol. —Stephanie Anderson Witmer, Health, 23 Feb. 2026

Michelle Routhenstein, a preventive cardiology dietitian, says to think of LDL-C as how much cholesterol is being carried, while ApoB tells you how many particles are capable of entering the artery wall. —Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 17 Feb. 2026

Thanks to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, including beta-glucans linked to lower LDL cholesterol and ergothioneine associated with cardiometabolic protection, mushrooms may help reduce cardiovascular risk and support overall heart health. —Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 13 Feb. 2026

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

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