macronutrient

noun

mac·​ro·​nu·​tri·​ent ˌma-krō-ˈnü-trē-ənt 

-ˈnyü-

: a chemical element or substance (such as potassium or protein) that is essential in relatively large amounts to the growth and health of a living organism compare micronutrient

Examples of macronutrient in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There's no calorie counting or macronutrient tracking, and the diet doesn't eliminate specific foods or food groups. —Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Health, 24 Nov. 2025

When the workload is greater than usual, your body temporarily expends more energy to fuel the digestive process, both in breaking down macronutrients and in absorbing that fuel for use later. —Bryn Beeder, The Conversation, 17 Nov. 2025

Protein is an essential macronutrient that the body uses to build muscles and repair cells. —Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 27 Oct. 2025

The macronutrient can be found in plenty of whole foods, like Greek yogurt, nuts, legumes and meat. —Rachel Treisman, NPR, 16 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

macro- + nutrient entry 2

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for macronutrient

• micronutrient
• nutrient

Medical Definition

macronutrient

noun

mac·​ro·​nu·​tri·​ent -ˈn(y)ü-trē-ənt 

: a substance (as a protein, carbohydrate, or fat) required in relatively large quantities for growth, energy, and health compare micronutrient