tryptophan
noun
tryp·to·phan
ˈtrip-tə-ˌfan 
variants
or less commonly tryptophane
: a crystalline essential amino acid C11H12N2O2 that is widely distributed in proteins
Examples of tryptophan in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Avoid stimulants and instead include foods rich in tryptophan, such as banana, a glass of warm milk with a little honey, or a handful of almonds.
—
Mónica Heras, Vogue, 30 Dec. 2025
Ounce for ounce, turkey contains less tryptophan—an amino acid popularly blamed for post-Thanksgiving sleepiness—than cheddar cheese or an octopus does.
—The Atlantic Science Desk, The Atlantic, 27 Dec. 2025
According to Mack, foods that contain tryptophan, magnesium or compounds that support melatonin production may have a stronger connection to sleep.
—Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 21 Dec. 2025
Milk contains tryptophan and calcium, which help the body make sleep-regulating hormones like serotonin and melatonin.
—Lindsey Desoto, Health, 28 Nov. 2025
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Mónica Heras, Vogue, 30 Dec. 2025
Ounce for ounce, turkey contains less tryptophan—an amino acid popularly blamed for post-Thanksgiving sleepiness—than cheddar cheese or an octopus does.
—The Atlantic Science Desk, The Atlantic, 27 Dec. 2025
According to Mack, foods that contain tryptophan, magnesium or compounds that support melatonin production may have a stronger connection to sleep.
—Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 21 Dec. 2025
Milk contains tryptophan and calcium, which help the body make sleep-regulating hormones like serotonin and melatonin.
—Lindsey Desoto, Health, 28 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tryptophan
Cite this Entry
“Tryptophan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tryptophan. Accessed 31 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
tryptophan
noun
tryp·to·phan
ˈtrip-tə-ˌfan
: an amino acid that is found in many proteins and is necessary for life but cannot be manufactured by the human body and must be obtained in food
Medical Definition
tryptophan
noun
tryp·to·phan
ˈtrip-tə-ˌfan
variants
also tryptophane
: a crystalline essential amino acid C11H12N2O2 that is widely distributed in proteins
—abbreviation Trp
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