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

While some doctors had already been recommending levels below 100 or 70 mg/dL for intermediate and high risk, respectively, the new recommendation to get LDL down to 55 mg/dL for people at very high risk is new and more aggressive. —Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 17 Mar. 2026

So, what should your LDL goals be to prevent a first heart attack or stroke? —Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 17 Mar. 2026

For example, familial hypercholesterolemia is a condition in which inherited genetic changes cause very high LDL levels regardless of diet. —Alexandria Nyembwe, Health, 16 Mar. 2026

Nissen says the guidelines will affect millions of people and lead to many more being treated with statins and other medicines that can lower LDL cholesterol. —Allison Aubrey, NPR, 13 Mar. 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