metabolism
noun
me·tab·o·lism
mə-ˈta-bə-ˌli-zəm 
1
a
: the sum of the processes in the buildup and destruction of protoplasm
specifically
: the chemical changes in living cells by which energy is provided for vital processes and activities and new material is assimilated (see assimilate entry 1 sense 1b)
Regular exercise can help to increase your metabolism.
b
: the sum of the processes by which a particular substance is handled in the living body
c
: the sum of the metabolic activities taking place in a particular environment
the metabolism of a lake
2
: metamorphosis sense 2
—usually used in combination
holometabolism
Examples of metabolism in a Sentence
studying the metabolisms of various organisms
Recent Examples on the Web
Anaerobic metabolism uses more sugar, increasing the likelihood that your body runs out of fuel.
—
Brad Stulberg, Outside, 25 Mar. 2026
Calcium is important for bone strength and nerve signaling, manganese helps support metabolism and antioxidant defenses, copper plays a role in iron metabolism and energy production and selenium is essential for thyroid function and immune health.
—Daryl Austin, USA Today, 21 Mar. 2026
His research team came up with a framework that, instead of looking for a specific type of life-form, looks at patterns in collections of chemicals and evaluates whether they could have been produced by processes like metabolism and evolution.
—Mary Magnuson, The Conversation, 20 Mar. 2026
Strength training and physical activity help maintain muscle mass, improve metabolism, increase energy and reduce the risk of chronic disease.
—Fred Sassani, Austin American Statesman, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for metabolism
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Brad Stulberg, Outside, 25 Mar. 2026
Calcium is important for bone strength and nerve signaling, manganese helps support metabolism and antioxidant defenses, copper plays a role in iron metabolism and energy production and selenium is essential for thyroid function and immune health.
—Daryl Austin, USA Today, 21 Mar. 2026
His research team came up with a framework that, instead of looking for a specific type of life-form, looks at patterns in collections of chemicals and evaluates whether they could have been produced by processes like metabolism and evolution.
—Mary Magnuson, The Conversation, 20 Mar. 2026
Strength training and physical activity help maintain muscle mass, improve metabolism, increase energy and reduce the risk of chronic disease.
—Fred Sassani, Austin American Statesman, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for metabolism
Cite this Entry
“Metabolism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metabolism. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
metabolism
noun
me·tab·o·lism
mə-ˈtab-ə-ˌliz-əm
1
: the processes essential for life by which the complex substances in the cells of living things are built up or broken down
2
: the processes by which a particular substance (as iodine) is handled in the living body
Medical Definition
metabolism
noun
me·tab·o·lism
mə-ˈtab-ə-ˌliz-əm
1
a
: the sum of the processes in the buildup and destruction of protoplasm
specifically
: the chemical changes in living cells by which energy is provided for vital processes and activities and new material is assimilated
methods of determining body and tissue metabolism —Bulletin of the University of Kentucky
see anabolism, catabolism
Bulletin of the University of Kentucky
b
: the sum of the processes by which a particular substance is handled (as by assimilation and incorporation or by detoxification and excretion) in the living body
the metabolism of iodine in the thyroid
2
: metamorphosis sense 2
—usually used in combination
holometabolism
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
