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

Male mice also saw an increase in good cholesterol (HDL) and decrease in bad cholesterol (LDL), while female mice experienced a decrease in insulin levels. —New Atlas, 14 Nov. 2025

Studies have found that eating two-thirds of a cup of beans daily can lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, also known as bad cholesterol, that travels through your body. —Isabel Vasquez Rd Ldn, Health, 14 Nov. 2025

Plus, the fiber in persimmons can also positively impact heart health by helping to reduce LDL cholesterol, Coogan added. —Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 10 Nov. 2025

Bradway said the trial suggested Repatha was able to meaningfully lower patients' LDL cholesterol levels. —Julie Coleman, CNBC, 10 Nov. 2025

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