: any of various amides that are derived from two or more amino acids by combination of the amino group of one acid with the carboxyl group of another and are usually obtained by partial hydrolysis of proteins
Examples of peptide in a Sentence
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The formula is also boosted with salicylic acid to refine the appearance of pores, neurosensine (a type of peptide) to calm skin, and hydrating staples like glycerin and hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture.
—
Lily Wohlner, Allure, 24 Jan. 2026
Think peptides that help preserve the skin’s collagen reserves, keeping it soft and supple; polyglutamic acid, which hydrates far more deeply than hyaluronic acid; and growth factors to further support collagen and elastin, the two key proteins that give skin structure and help prevent fine lines.
—Jacqueline Kilikita, Refinery29, 22 Jan. 2026
And there's hundreds of different kinds of peptides and some of them have good documentation.
—Will Carless, USA Today, 22 Jan. 2026
New compounds like antimicrobial peptides, which puncture the membranes of bacteria to kill them, show promise as next-generation drugs.
—André O. Hudson, The Conversation, 21 Jan. 2026
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Lily Wohlner, Allure, 24 Jan. 2026
Think peptides that help preserve the skin’s collagen reserves, keeping it soft and supple; polyglutamic acid, which hydrates far more deeply than hyaluronic acid; and growth factors to further support collagen and elastin, the two key proteins that give skin structure and help prevent fine lines.
—Jacqueline Kilikita, Refinery29, 22 Jan. 2026
And there's hundreds of different kinds of peptides and some of them have good documentation.
—Will Carless, USA Today, 22 Jan. 2026
New compounds like antimicrobial peptides, which puncture the membranes of bacteria to kill them, show promise as next-generation drugs.
—André O. Hudson, The Conversation, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for peptide
Cite this Entry
“Peptide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peptide. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
peptide
noun
pep·tide
ˈpep-ˌtīd 
: any of various substances that are usually obtained by the partial breakdown of proteins
Medical Definition
peptide
noun
pep·tide
ˈpep-ˌtīd
: any of various amides that are derived from two or more amino acids by combination of the amino group of one acid with the carboxyl group of another and are usually obtained by partial hydrolysis of proteins
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