glucagon

noun

glu·​ca·​gon ˈglü-kə-ˌgän How to pronounce glucagon (audio)
: a protein hormone that is produced especially by the islets of Langerhans and that promotes an increase in the sugar content of the blood by increasing the rate of glycogen breakdown in the liver

Examples of glucagon 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.
The third receptor that interacts with retatrutide, glucagon, targets liver fat and may prompt the body to burn more calories. — Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 8 June 2026 These are glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists that imitate a natural hormone in the gut. — Stephanie Stephens, USA Today, 26 June 2026 This is the first time GLP-1s (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists) will be covered by insurance when used solely for weight loss. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026 During digestion, proteins stimulate the secretion of glucagon and insulin, two hormones that work together to maintain stable blood sugar levels. — Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for glucagon

Word History

Etymology

gluc- + -agon (perhaps from Greek agōn, present participle of agein to lead, drive) — more at agent

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of glucagon was in 1923

Rhymes for glucagon

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Browse Nearby Words

gluc-
glucagon
glucagon-like peptide
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Glucagon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/glucagon. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

glucagon

noun
glu·​ca·​gon ˈglü-kə-ˌgän How to pronounce glucagon (audio)
: a protein hormone that is produced especially by the pancreatic islets of Langerhans and that promotes an increase in the sugar content of the blood by increasing the rate of breakdown of glycogen in the liver

called also hyperglycemic factor, hyperglycemic-glycogenolytic factor

More from Merriam-Webster on glucagon

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about glucagon

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