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 Family Heart Foundation plans to advocate for adding Lp(a) to the standard lipid test that measures other types of cholesterol like LDL, said the organization's CEO, Katherine Wilemon. —Angelica Peebles, CNBC, 27 Apr. 2026

ApoB is also a marker that is looked at more frequently, and may be a better option than using LDL alone. —Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 23 Apr. 2026

These drugs are prescribed primarily for their ability to lower levels of LDL cholesterol, a known driver of heart disease. —Melinda Wenner Moyer, Scientific American, 14 Apr. 2026

One review noted that kombucha helped reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides in several animal studies. —Mikayla Morell, Health, 13 Apr. 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