macronutrient
noun
mac·ro·nu·tri·ent
ˌma-krō-ˈnü-trē-ənt 
-ˈnyü-
: a chemical element or substance (such as potassium or protein) that is essential in relatively large amounts to the growth and health of a living organism compare micronutrient
Examples of macronutrient in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Opting for a protein-dense cooking liquid rather than water is one quick way to increase the macronutrient without really changing its flavor or how it’s prepped.
—
Audrey Bruno, SELF, 1 Apr. 2024
Each macronutrient is measured in grams, but the calories per gram aren't the same.
—Brierley Horton, Ms, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Mar. 2024
There are three macronutrients: carbohydrates, protein, and fat.
—Brierley Horton, Ms, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Mar. 2024
Fats are macronutrients, or nutrients your body needs in large amounts.
—Selene Yeager, Health, 24 Feb. 2024
All of that’s important, since protein is a critical macronutrient that some people may struggle to get enough of, Dr. Titchenal says.
—Jenny McCoy, Glamour, 2 Feb. 2024
Here’s what experts had to say about how these macronutrients affect your body and the best nutrition practices both pre- and post-workout.
—Rebecca Jaspan, Mph, Health, 5 Mar. 2024
Here are some of the best energy-boosting foods to put on your plate.
Eat your omegas
Of all the macronutrients – protein, carbohydrates and fat – fat is the most energy dense, providing more than twice as many calories per gram as its counterparts.
—Georgia Day, Glamour, 1 Jan. 2024
In the context of weight management, the overall daily calorie and macronutrient intake holds more significance than the frequency of meals.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 22 Jan. 2024
Audrey Bruno, SELF, 1 Apr. 2024
Each macronutrient is measured in grams, but the calories per gram aren't the same.
—Brierley Horton, Ms, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Mar. 2024
There are three macronutrients: carbohydrates, protein, and fat.
—Brierley Horton, Ms, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Mar. 2024
Fats are macronutrients, or nutrients your body needs in large amounts.
—Selene Yeager, Health, 24 Feb. 2024
All of that’s important, since protein is a critical macronutrient that some people may struggle to get enough of, Dr. Titchenal says.
—Jenny McCoy, Glamour, 2 Feb. 2024
Here’s what experts had to say about how these macronutrients affect your body and the best nutrition practices both pre- and post-workout.
—Rebecca Jaspan, Mph, Health, 5 Mar. 2024
Here are some of the best energy-boosting foods to put on your plate.
Eat your omegas
Of all the macronutrients – protein, carbohydrates and fat – fat is the most energy dense, providing more than twice as many calories per gram as its counterparts.
—Georgia Day, Glamour, 1 Jan. 2024
In the context of weight management, the overall daily calorie and macronutrient intake holds more significance than the frequency of meals.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 22 Jan. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'macronutrient.' 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
First Known Use
1942, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near macronutrient
Cite this Entry
“Macronutrient.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/macronutrient. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
Copy Citation
Medical Definition
macronutrient
noun
mac·ro·nu·tri·ent
-ˈn(y)ü-trē-ənt
: a substance (as a protein, carbohydrate, or fat) required in relatively large quantities for growth, energy, and health compare micronutrient
More from Merriam-Webster on macronutrient
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about macronutrient
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share