LDL

noun

ˌel-(ˌ)dē-ˈel 

: a lipoprotein of blood plasma that is composed of a moderate proportion of protein with little triglyceride and a high proportion of cholesterol and that is associated with increased probability of developing atherosclerosis : bad cholesterol compare hdl

Examples of LDL in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Read More: The Health Risks and Benefits of Weight-Loss Drugs Among people in the study who took the drug, risk factors for heart disease such as LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure, and a marker of inflammation also dropped, Skovronsky notes. —Alice Park, Time, 7 Aug. 2025

Females tend to have lower LDL cholesterol than males until around the age of 55 or menopause. —Karen Berger, Verywell Health, 5 Aug. 2025

On the other hand, participants had lower LDL (bad cholesterol) on the UPF diet. —Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 5 Aug. 2025

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

Word History

Etymology

low-density lipoprotein

First Known Use

1962, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

LDL

noun

ˈel-ˈdē-ˈel 

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

called also bad cholesterol, beta-lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein

compare hdl, vldl