metabolize

verb

me·​tab·​o·​lize mə-ˈta-bə-ˌlīz 

metabolized; metabolizing

transitive verb

: to subject to metabolism

intransitive verb

: to perform metabolism

metabolizable

mə-ˌta-bə-ˈlī-zə-bəl 

adjective

Examples of metabolize in a Sentence

Food is metabolized by the body.

Recent Examples on the Web

Fatigue: Too much invert sugar in your diet can lead to fatigue since your body can't properly metabolize and use the sugar. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 8 May 2025

These fats are metabolized by the body into ketones which are said to increase satiety and provide rapid energy to the brain. —Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 30 Apr. 2025

One of the big problems with this novel antiviral molecule was that the human body metabolized it swiftly. —Rich Haridy, New Atlas, 18 Mar. 2025

Fructose is mostly metabolized in the liver, where it is converted into glucose for energy. —Merve Ceylan, Health, 25 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

metabol(ic) or metabol(ism) + -ize

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for metabolize

• actualize
• antagonize
• apologise
• apologize
• capitalize
• categorize
• characterize
• commercialize
• conceptualize
• contrariwise
• criminalize
• decentralize

Kids Definition

metabolize

verb

me·​tab·​o·​lize mə-ˈtab-ə-ˌlīz 

metabolized; metabolizing

: to break down by metabolism

food is metabolized by the body

Medical Definition

metabolize

verb

me·​tab·​o·​lize

variants also British metabolise

-ˌlīz 

metabolized also British metabolised; metabolizing also British metabolising

transitive verb

: to subject to metabolism

intransitive verb

: to perform metabolism

metabolizer noun

also British metaboliser

-ˌlī-zər