keto

1 of 3

adjective

ke·​to ˈkē-(ˌ)tō 

1

: of or relating to a ketone

also : containing the characteristic chemical group of a ketone consisting of a carbonyl attached to two carbon atoms

keto acids

2

: ketogenic sense 2

Since keto dieting is restrictive it's a good idea to consult with your doctor before starting.

—Ted Kallmyer

keto

2 of 3

noun

: a ketogenic diet

Salad is great for keto, but the dressing might not be. When in doubt, skip it.

—John Nicholson

Keto is a diet trend that cuts out carbohydrates and sugars to stop the blood sugar from spiking and have the body enter a state of ketosis, a process in which body burns fat for energy because it does not have enough carbohydrates to burn.

—Dan Boudreaux

keto-

3 of 3

combining form

: ketone : ketone body

ketosis

Examples of keto in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

One big unanswered question is how the keto diet is doing this at all. — Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 16 June 2026

The goal of the keto diet is to have the body use fat instead of sugar for energy (ketosis). — Megan Nunn, Verywell Health, 3 June 2026

Noun

But keto is a serious therapeutic approach for brain disorders dating back more than a century. — Kelly Rogers Victor, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2026

Half of the participants on the keto diet also saw remission of their prediabetes. — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 27 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

(sense 1) from construing of keto- as an adjective; (sense 2) by shortening

Noun

by shortening

Combining form

ket(one) + -o-

First Known Use

Adjective

1891, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1994, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing keto

• keto diet

Rhymes for keto

• kato
• thereto

Medical Definition

keto

adjective

ke·​to ˈkēt-(ˌ)ō 

: of or relating to a ketone

also : containing a ketone group