keto

1 of 3

adjective

ke·​to ˈkē-(ˌ)tō How to pronounce keto (audio)
1
: of or relating to a ketone
also : containing the characteristic chemical group of a ketone consisting of a carbonyl attached to two carbon atoms
keto acids
2
: ketogenic sense 2
Since keto dieting is restrictive it's a good idea to consult with your doctor before starting.Ted Kallmyer

keto

2 of 3

noun

: a ketogenic diet
Salad is great for keto, but the dressing might not be. When in doubt, skip it.John Nicholson
Keto is a diet trend that cuts out carbohydrates and sugars to stop the blood sugar from spiking and have the body enter a state of ketosis, a process in which body burns fat for energy because it does not have enough carbohydrates to burn.Dan Boudreaux

keto-

3 of 3

combining form

: ketone : ketone body
ketosis

Examples of keto in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
The researchers pooled data from numerous previous studies on women with PCOS, showing that adhering to a keto diet for at least 45 days yielded significant weight loss. Sarah Garone, Health, 18 Sep. 2023 This is particularly beneficial for those who are watching their sugar intake or following a keto diet. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 29 Aug. 2023 The healthy fats also score a win for keto dieters. Women's Health, 28 Aug. 2023 For someone who has long followed a keto or low-carb diet, reducing protein and ramping up millet and quinoa goes against every fiber of my being, so to speak. Mary Holland, Robb Report, 27 Aug. 2023 The keto diet focuses on a high-fat, low-carb, moderate-protein intake. Julie Upton, Health, 22 Aug. 2023 Add them to your regular rotation to help keep your keto diet as nutritious as possible. Women's Health, 16 Aug. 2023 Other parents shared links about their kids’ favorite keto snacks and constantly kept in touch with the Singers. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 July 2023 Chipotle: Lifestyle Bowl Courtesy of Chipotle The fast casual chain has vegan and vegetarian bowls and bowls that are suitable for paleo and keto diets; their high protein bowl, made with black beans, double chicken, cheese, rice, salsa and shredded cheese contains a whopping 82 grams of protein. Jodi Helmer, Fortune Well, 5 Aug. 2023
Noun
The list, published Thursday in Circulation, gave the lowest scores to the paleo and ketogenic, or keto, diets for their reliance on fats from animal sources, such as butter and full-fat dairy, while severely restricting carbohydrates. Linda Carroll, NBC News, 27 Apr. 2023 The restaurant also offers vegan and gluten-free pizzas and crustless keto bowls. Details: 480-513-1861, slicesdesertridge.com. Endia Fontanez, The Arizona Republic, 15 June 2023 In response to one troll who said their keto diet, full of kale salads, was keeping them COVID-19 free, the department turned it into a meme. Asha C. Gilbert, USA TODAY, 18 Aug. 2021 The authors said one of the purposes of their report was to counter widespread misinformation about nutrition promoted by diet books, blogs and people on TikTok, Instagram and Twitter - where posts promoting keto and paleo eating plans have surged in recent years. Anahad O'Connor, Anchorage Daily News, 30 Apr. 2023 From keto and paleo to vegan offerings, this kit has something for every health-conscious consumer. Stefani Sassos, Ms, Rdn, Cso, Cdn, Nasm-Cpt, Good Housekeeping, 16 June 2022 The list, published Thursday in Circulation, gave the lowest scores to the paleo and ketogenic, or keto, diets for their reliance on fats from animal sources, such as butter and full-fat dairy, while severely restricting carbohydrates. Linda Carroll, NBC News, 27 Apr. 2023 People are likely talking so much about autophagy because the subject is closely linked to the popular diet trends, intermittent fasting and keto. Erica Sweeney, Men's Health, 31 Mar. 2023 The menu caters to a variety of special diets, including vegan, gluten-free, keto and Whole 30. Lauren Wethington, Detroit Free Press, 21 May 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'keto.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

(sense 1) from construing of keto- as an adjective; (sense 2) by shortening

Noun

by shortening

Combining form

ket(one) + -o-

First Known Use

Adjective

1891, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1994, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of keto was in 1891

Dictionary Entries Near keto

Cite this Entry

“Keto.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/keto. Accessed 1 Oct. 2023.

Medical Definition

keto

adjective
ke·​to ˈkēt-(ˌ)ō How to pronounce keto (audio)
: of or relating to a ketone
also : containing a ketone group
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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