glucose

noun

glu·​cose ˈglü-ˌkōs How to pronounce glucose (audio)
-ˌkōz
1
: a crystalline sugar C6H12O6
specifically : the sweet colorless soluble dextrorotatory form that occurs widely in nature and is the usual form in which carbohydrate is assimilated by animals
2
: a light-colored syrup made from cornstarch

Examples of glucose 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.
The 29-year-old German also has Type 1 diabetes, which requires him to monitor his glucose levels and, if needed, inject insulin during matches. — ABC News, 11 July 2026 Full-body MRIs, multi-omics blood tests, continuous glucose monitors, wearable health trackers and advanced biomarker panels are seemingly everywhere. — Felicity Yost, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026 However, Stelo is approved for use in those with diabetes who do not take insulin as well as broadly approved for those who want to understand lifestyle impacts on blood glucose. — Lauren Chan, STAT, 8 July 2026 This aids digestion, appetite control, glucose regulation, and cortisol regulation. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for glucose

Word History

Etymology

French, modification of Greek gleukos must, sweet wine; akin to Greek glykys sweet — more at dulcet

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of glucose was in 1840

Phrases Containing glucose

Rhymes for glucose

See All Rhymes for glucose

Browse Nearby Words

glucosazone
glucose
glucose-1-phosphate
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Glucose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/glucose. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

glucose

noun
glu·​cose ˈglü-ˌkōs How to pronounce glucose (audio)
: a sugar that occurs especially in a naturally occurring form that is found in plants, fruits, and blood and is a source of energy for living things

Medical Definition

glucose

noun
glu·​cose ˈglü-ˌkōs, -ˌkōz How to pronounce glucose (audio)
: an optically active sugar C6H12O6 that has an aldehydic carbonyl group
especially : the sweet colorless soluble dextrorotatory form that occurs widely in nature and is the usual form in which carbohydrate is assimilated by animals

More from Merriam-Webster on glucose

Nglish: Translation of glucose for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about glucose

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