peptide

noun

pep·​tide ˈpep-ˌtīd How to pronounce peptide (audio)
: any of various amides that are derived from two or more amino acids by combination of the amino group of one acid with the carboxyl group of another and are usually obtained by partial hydrolysis of proteins
peptidic
pep-ˈti-dik How to pronounce peptide (audio)
adjective

Examples of peptide 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.
Its formula combines peptides, niacinamide, and exfoliating lipohydroxy acid to help skin look smoother and brighter, while keeping it hydrated for hours. — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 19 Oct. 2026 Pharmaceutical companies are suing one another over patents surrounding GLP-1 peptides, the basis of Ozempic and other such weight loss drugs. — Amy Maxmen, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026 Rather than swapping to a low-sodium diet, using a blend that features one particular peptide isolated from the edible Hypsizygus marmoreus mushroom could mean drastically reducing salt intake for your health, without sacrificing flavor. — New Atlas, 18 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for peptide

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from peptone

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of peptide was in 1906

Phrases Containing peptide

Rhymes for peptide

See All Rhymes for peptide

Browse Nearby Words

peptidase
peptide
peptide bond
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Cite this Entry

“Peptide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peptide. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

peptide

noun
pep·​tide ˈpep-ˌtīd How to pronounce peptide (audio)
: any of various substances that are usually obtained by the partial breakdown of proteins

Medical Definition

peptide

noun
pep·​tide ˈpep-ˌtīd How to pronounce peptide (audio)
: any of various amides that are derived from two or more amino acids by combination of the amino group of one acid with the carboxyl group of another and are usually obtained by partial hydrolysis of proteins
peptidic
pep-ˈtid-ik How to pronounce peptide (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on peptide

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about peptide

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