aspartame

noun

as·​par·​tame ˈa-spər-ˌtām  ə-ˈspär-ˌtām 

: a crystalline compound C₁₄H₁₈N₂O₅ that is a diamide synthesized from phenylalanine and aspartic acid and that is used as a low-calorie sweetener

Examples of aspartame in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Some cereals may contain zero-calorie sweeteners, such as aspartame, saccharin, or sucralose. — Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 5 Nov. 2026

The primary sweeteners used were aspartame, acesulfame potassium and sucralose. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 7 Oct. 2026

Xylitol wasn’t the only sweetener flagged; the study also noted that aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame-K, erythritol, and sorbitol were concerning. — Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 26 Aug. 2026

That's one reason sugar substitutes like aspartame have become so popular. — Alexandra Frost, USA Today, 8 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

aspartic acid + phenylalanine + methyl + ester

First Known Use

1972, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for aspartame

• counterclaim
• overcame
• underframe
• username
• acclaim
• aflame
• airframe
• ballgame
• became
• declaim
• defame
• disclaim

Medical Definition

aspartame

noun

as·​par·​tame ˈas-pər-ˌtām  ə-ˈspär- 

: a crystalline dipeptide ester C₁₄H₁₈N₂O₅ that is synthesized from the amino acids phenylalanine and aspartic acid and is used as a low-calorie sweetener see nutrasweet