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

Previously unknown protein groups in the microbes were uncovered while assembling the Asgard family tree, enabling Baker and his colleagues to compare the proteins with those used by eukaryotes to generate energy and metabolize oxygen. —Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 4 Mar. 2026

How will his writing team metabolize the stupefying scene at this year’s BAFTAs into his routine? —Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 28 Feb. 2026

These beta-glucans are metabolized by the gut microbiota into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which then serve as an energy source for intestinal cells, support a healthy gut barrier, and help regulate inflammation. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 27 Feb. 2026

Chamomile may interact with drugs that are metabolized by the liver, blood thinners, or sedatives. —Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 16 Feb. 2026

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