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.
Despite 115 million Americans being prediabetic, continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are not typically prescribed or covered by insurance, even though 20-30% progress to diabetes. — Hansa Bhargava, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 Synthesized peptides are found in injectable insulin and the GLP-1 medications used for weight loss and blood-glucose control. — Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026 Not take a break on your phone, because that's burning glucose again. — Malaka Gharib, NPR, 30 July 2026 Screening can involve an A1C test, fasting blood glucose test or oral glucose tolerance test. — Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 29 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 5 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

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

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!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

How long is a jiffy?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
asap street sign
Figure Out These Acronyms ASAP You don't have to be a NASA engineer to get these...
See All