1
: of or relating to a ketone
also : containing the characteristic chemical group of a ketone consisting of a carbonyl attached to two carbon atoms
keto acids
2
: ketogenic sense 2
Since keto dieting is restrictive it's a good idea to consult with your doctor before starting.Ted Kallmyer

keto

2 of 3

noun

: a ketogenic diet
Salad is great for keto, but the dressing might not be. When in doubt, skip it.John Nicholson
Keto is a diet trend that cuts out carbohydrates and sugars to stop the blood sugar from spiking and have the body enter a state of ketosis, a process in which body burns fat for energy because it does not have enough carbohydrates to burn.Dan Boudreaux

keto-

3 of 3

combining form

: ketone : ketone body
ketosis

Examples of keto 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.
Adjective
One big unanswered question is how the keto diet is doing this at all. Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 16 June 2026 The goal of the keto diet is to have the body use fat instead of sugar for energy (ketosis). Megan Nunn, Verywell Health, 3 June 2026
Noun
Half of the participants on the keto diet also saw remission of their prediabetes. Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 27 Aug. 2026 Cabeca likes to follow a keto diet and said the healthy fats keep her satiated while the protein supports her muscles and hormones. Cathy Cassata, HEALTH, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for keto

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

(sense 1) from construing of keto- as an adjective; (sense 2) by shortening

Noun

by shortening

Combining form

ket(one) + -o-

First Known Use

Adjective

1891, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1994, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of keto was in 1891

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Keto.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/keto. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

Medical Definition

: of or relating to a ketone
also : containing a ketone group
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