ceramide
noun
cer·amide
ˈsir-ə-ˌmīd 
ˈser-
plural ceramides
: any of various simple sphingolipids that are composed of a fatty acid linked to sphingosine, are found especially in cell membranes, are involved in mediating various cellular processes (such as those affecting cell differentiation and apoptosis), and act as precursors for more complex sphingolipids
The enzyme controls production of a cellular substance, ceramide, which triggers the natural process of egg cell death.—
L. Stivitz
L. StivitzMoisturizers containing ceramides (natural lipids that are similar in structure to those in the skin's own moisture barrier) … are also worthwhile splurges for women with dry or problem skin, according to independent tester Grove.—Constance Cardozo
Constance CardozoExamples of ceramide in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Instead of sitting on top of the hair, the formula uses bio-protein care and glutamic amino serum to feed the fiber with usable amino acids that help refill structural gaps, while ceramides and conditioning agents smooth the cuticle so strands bend without snapping.
—Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 31 Dec. 2025
Look for something thicker with humectants such as glycerin, emollients such as ceramides and occlusives such as shea butter.
—Jackie Fields, PEOPLE, 30 Dec. 2025
If a lip mask isn't available, 100% petroleum jelly or a healing ointment with hyaluronic acid and ceramides can be used to lock in moisture.
—Maryal Miller Carter, USA Today, 27 Dec. 2025
Ingredient-wise, Flores notes that it’s packed with argan oil, three types of honey, royal jelly, propolis, silk, and hyaluronic acid, along with keratin, ceramides, and rose extract to strengthen and moisturize strands.
—Iman Balagam, Vogue, 27 Dec. 2025
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Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 31 Dec. 2025
Look for something thicker with humectants such as glycerin, emollients such as ceramides and occlusives such as shea butter.
—Jackie Fields, PEOPLE, 30 Dec. 2025
If a lip mask isn't available, 100% petroleum jelly or a healing ointment with hyaluronic acid and ceramides can be used to lock in moisture.
—Maryal Miller Carter, USA Today, 27 Dec. 2025
Ingredient-wise, Flores notes that it’s packed with argan oil, three types of honey, royal jelly, propolis, silk, and hyaluronic acid, along with keratin, ceramides, and rose extract to strengthen and moisturize strands.
—Iman Balagam, Vogue, 27 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ceramide
Cite this Entry
“Ceramide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ceramide. Accessed 4 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
ceramide
noun
cer·amide
ˈsir-ə-ˌmīd
: any of a group of amido sphingolipids formed by linking a fatty acid to sphingosine and found widely in small amounts in plant and animal tissue
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