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

This once daily oral tablet is capable of lowering your LDL cholesterol, also known as your 'bad cholesterol,’ by nearly 60%. — Robert Glatter, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

In one late-stage clinical trial, Merck found that Lipfendra lowered LDL cholesterol levels by up to 60% after 24 weeks. — Anne Thompson, NBC news, 16 July 2026

But even at the highest doses, many people need additional help lowering their LDL, or bad, cholesterol enough to meet medical guidelines. — Matthew Perrone, Fortune, 16 July 2026

The approval was based on studies showing that Merck’s once-daily pill reduced bad, or LDL, cholesterol levels by up to 60% over six months in adults with or at risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. — Ed Silverman, STAT, 16 July 2026

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