HDL

noun

ˌāch-(ˌ)dē-ˈel 

: a lipoprotein of blood plasma that is composed of a high proportion of protein with little triglyceride and cholesterol and that is correlated with reduced risk of atherosclerosis : good cholesterol compare ldl

Examples of HDL in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Some research suggests that flaxseed (a good source of omega-3s) and sunflower seed oils may lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, which can lead to heart disease and strokes, and raise HDL (good) cholesterol, which supports a healthy heart. —Lauren O'Connor, Health, 4 Aug. 2025

Healthwise, cooking oil made from sunflowers is the preferred vegetable oil due to its unsaturated fats and, especially, its oleic acids that help increase good (HDL) cholesterol. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 2 Aug. 2025

This can also lower levels of heart-protective high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. —Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 25 July 2025

With less estradiol and protective hormones, the bad cholesterol, known as LDL, is increased and the good cholesterol, HDL, decreases. —Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

high-density lipoprotein

First Known Use

1954, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

HDL

noun

ˈāch-ˈdē-ˈel 

: a lipoprotein of blood plasma that is composed of a high proportion of protein with little triglyceride and cholesterol and that is associated with decreased probability of developing atherosclerosis

called also alpha-lipoprotein, good cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein

compare ldl, vldl