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

The good news is that quitting smoking is associated with an increase in HDL levels. — Colleen Doherty, Verywell Health, 8 Sep. 2026

The main cholesterol and blood fat names to pay attention to are LDL, HDL, and triglycerides. — Gavin Escott, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2026

Think of it as something like the systemic equivalent of HDL cholesterol for the vascular system—a reading that indicates general health and creates a chance to intervene, at minimum, through lifestyle changes. — Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 9 Aug. 2026

Mozaffarian said seed oils can help lower glucose levels, improve insulin sensitivity, reduce bad (LDL) cholesterol, reduce triglycerides and increase levels of positive (HDL) cholesterol. — Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 3 July 2026

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