lecithin
noun
lec·i·thin
ˈle-sə-thən 
: any of several waxy hygroscopic phospholipids that are widely distributed in animals and plants, form colloidal solutions in water, and have emulsifying, wetting, and antioxidant properties
also
: a mixture of or substance rich in lecithins
Examples of lecithin in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Unlike unsweetened or plain baking chocolate, bittersweet chocolate can contain flavors like vanilla and emulsifiers like soy lecithin.
—
Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 26 Jan. 2026
Other additives—like high fructose corn syrup, aspartame, sucralose, or even soy lecithin (an emulsifier)—aren’t necessary and will only reduce the chocolate’s nutritional value.
—Sherri Gordon, Health, 21 Jan. 2026
Hydrators like glycerin and sodium hyaluronate pull in moisture, while squalane, lecithin, and jojoba esters help seal it in.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 17 Jan. 2026
Ultra-processing breaks foods down, turning things like rice into rice syrup or peas into pea protein or soy beans into soy lecithin.
—Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 16 Jan. 2026
Plus, a specialized fatty acid called lecithin, which is found in egg yolks.
—Renée Onque, CNBC, 26 Nov. 2025
Cool Science: The mustard contains lecithin, an emulsifier.
—Jamie Kiffel-Alcheh, National Geographic, 20 May 2020
Other types of emollients include lecithin, isopropyl myristate and isopropyl palmitate.
—Nia Decaille, Washington Post, 7 Feb. 2020
The problem was discovered when the firm’s seasoning supplier notified them that the proprietary seasoning, which is not supposed to contain soy, actually contains soy lecithin.
—Jennie Key, Cincinnati.com, 30 Nov. 2019
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Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 26 Jan. 2026
Other additives—like high fructose corn syrup, aspartame, sucralose, or even soy lecithin (an emulsifier)—aren’t necessary and will only reduce the chocolate’s nutritional value.
—Sherri Gordon, Health, 21 Jan. 2026
Hydrators like glycerin and sodium hyaluronate pull in moisture, while squalane, lecithin, and jojoba esters help seal it in.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 17 Jan. 2026
Ultra-processing breaks foods down, turning things like rice into rice syrup or peas into pea protein or soy beans into soy lecithin.
—Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 16 Jan. 2026
Plus, a specialized fatty acid called lecithin, which is found in egg yolks.
—Renée Onque, CNBC, 26 Nov. 2025
Cool Science: The mustard contains lecithin, an emulsifier.
—Jamie Kiffel-Alcheh, National Geographic, 20 May 2020
Other types of emollients include lecithin, isopropyl myristate and isopropyl palmitate.
—Nia Decaille, Washington Post, 7 Feb. 2020
The problem was discovered when the firm’s seasoning supplier notified them that the proprietary seasoning, which is not supposed to contain soy, actually contains soy lecithin.
—Jennie Key, Cincinnati.com, 30 Nov. 2019
Cite this Entry
“Lecithin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lecithin. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
lecithin
noun
lec·i·thin
ˈles-ə-thən
: any of several waxy phosphorus-containing substances that are common in animals and plants and are used especially in foods (as mayonnaise), medicine, and industrial processes
Medical Definition
lecithin
noun
lec·i·thin
ˈles-ə-thən
: any of several waxy hygroscopic phospholipids in which phosphatidic acid has formed an ester with choline and which are widely distributed in animals and plants, form colloidal solutions in water, and have emulsifying, wetting, and antioxidant properties
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