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
Certain health trends, like the keto diet or becoming a runner, may not be best for every body's specific needs. Maggie O'Neill, Health, 12 Jan. 2024 This tends to be a hot topic on the keto diet since some types aren't deemed keto-friendly. Emily Shiffer, Women's Health, 2 June 2023 The keto diet is all about decreasing carbs and increasing fat intake, as well as keeping protein consumption moderate. Isadora Baum, Men's Health, 1 May 2023 Legendary Foods 20 gr Protein Bar Alternative Tasty Pastry For keto dieters, finding the perfect keto snack is no easy task. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 18 Mar. 2023 The keto diet has grown in popularity for its general weight loss benefits. Sarah Garone, Health, 18 Sep. 2023 Not everyone is on a keto diet, of course, but the idea that a healthy start to the day involves more than just carbs has now been baked into the collective consciousness. Emily Heil, Washington Post, 24 Oct. 2023 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
Noun
With a lineup of meals that can be reheated in as little as three minutes, Fresh N Lean's entirely gluten-free menu caters to a variety of diets, from keto to paleo to vegan. Nick Evans, Parents, 17 Aug. 2023 Price at time of publish: $29 Yellowbird Organic Hot Sauce Variety Set 9.8 oz View On Amazon Based in Texas, Yellowbird hot sauces are organic, keto friendly, paleo-vegan certified, gluten free, and Whole 30 friendly. Amanda Ogle, Southern Living, 28 Nov. 2023 When trying to eat healthier, some people may opt for specific diets like keto or intermittent fasting. Maggie O'Neill, Health, 12 Jan. 2024 Frain advised anyone who's thinking about trying keto to strive for balance, not for extremes. Amanda MacMillan, Health, 8 Sep. 2023 Ultimately, the best diet for someone with PCOS may be a middle ground between full keto and a more mainstream, Western diet. Sarah Garone, Health, 18 Sep. 2023 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

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 29 Mar. 2024.

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
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