metabolism
noun
me·tab·o·lism
mə-ˈta-bə-ˌli-zəm 
1
a
: the sum of the processes in the buildup and destruction of protoplasm
specifically
: the chemical changes in living cells by which energy is provided for vital processes and activities and new material is assimilated (see assimilate entry 1 sense 1b)
Regular exercise can help to increase your metabolism.
b
: the sum of the processes by which a particular substance is handled in the living body
c
: the sum of the metabolic activities taking place in a particular environment
the metabolism of a lake
2
: metamorphosis sense 2
—usually used in combination
holometabolism
Examples of metabolism in a Sentence
studying the metabolisms of various organisms
Recent Examples on the Web
Biennials make this metabolism unusually visible.
—
Manuela Moscoso, Artforum, 2 Apr. 2026
Lastly, outside of specific workouts, Hall encourages her clients on GLP-1s to incorporate consistent movement throughout the day to help maintain proper metabolism.
—Jenny McCoy, SELF, 1 Apr. 2026
Because the body is preparing for rest, your metabolism and digestion slow down, too.
—Desireé Oostland, Vogue, 31 Mar. 2026
That slow metabolism minimizes cellular wear and tear, letting their bodies function across centuries.
—Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2026
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Manuela Moscoso, Artforum, 2 Apr. 2026
Lastly, outside of specific workouts, Hall encourages her clients on GLP-1s to incorporate consistent movement throughout the day to help maintain proper metabolism.
—Jenny McCoy, SELF, 1 Apr. 2026
Because the body is preparing for rest, your metabolism and digestion slow down, too.
—Desireé Oostland, Vogue, 31 Mar. 2026
That slow metabolism minimizes cellular wear and tear, letting their bodies function across centuries.
—Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for metabolism
Cite this Entry
“Metabolism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metabolism. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
metabolism
noun
me·tab·o·lism
mə-ˈtab-ə-ˌliz-əm
1
: the processes essential for life by which the complex substances in the cells of living things are built up or broken down
2
: the processes by which a particular substance (as iodine) is handled in the living body
Medical Definition
metabolism
noun
me·tab·o·lism
mə-ˈtab-ə-ˌliz-əm
1
a
: the sum of the processes in the buildup and destruction of protoplasm
specifically
: the chemical changes in living cells by which energy is provided for vital processes and activities and new material is assimilated
methods of determining body and tissue metabolism —Bulletin of the University of Kentucky
see anabolism, catabolism
Bulletin of the University of Kentucky
b
: the sum of the processes by which a particular substance is handled (as by assimilation and incorporation or by detoxification and excretion) in the living body
the metabolism of iodine in the thyroid
2
: metamorphosis sense 2
—usually used in combination
holometabolism
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