caloric

1 of 2

noun

ca·​lo·​ric kə-ˈlȯr-ik How to pronounce caloric (audio)
1
: a supposed form of matter formerly held responsible for the phenomena of heat and combustion
2
archaic : heat

caloric

2 of 2

adjective

1
: of or relating to heat
2
: of, relating to, or containing calories
calorically adverb

Examples of caloric in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Independent effects of the human circadian system and sleep/eating cycles on caloric intake in adolescents vary by weight status. Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025 Diet monitoring apps were linked to intentionally self-regulating caloric intake (dietary restraint), a preoccupation with food, and eating concerns. New Atlas, 24 Feb. 2025
Adjective
High in protein and fat, meals often include frozen fish, reindeer meat and horse liver—foods that provide the caloric density needed to fuel the body’s constant battle against the cold. Scott Travers, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025 The big picture: The South is known for its tasty (if not highly caloric) comfort food. Jessica Boehm, Axios, 20 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for caloric

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French calorique, from Latin calor

First Known Use

Noun

1792, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1851, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of caloric was in 1792

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Caloric.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caloric. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

caloric

adjective
ca·​lor·​ic
kə-ˈlȯr-ik,
-ˈlōr-,
-ˈlär-;
ˈkal-ə-rik
1
: of or relating to heat
2
: relating to or containing calories
calorically
-i-k(ə-)lē
adverb

Medical Definition

caloric

adjective
1
: of or relating to heat
2
: of or relating to calories

More from Merriam-Webster on caloric

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!