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

Naturally occurring protein- and fat-based foods, by contrast, are metabolized more slowly, promote satiety and help preserve lean muscle mass. —Bret Scher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026

Monk fruit does not cause a spike in blood sugar because its sweetness comes from mogrosides, which are not absorbed or metabolized like glucose. —Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 4 Feb. 2026

Larger doses of caffeine take your body longer to metabolize. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 30 Jan. 2026

The body can metabolize some codeine into morphine. —David Remnick, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 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