growth hormone

noun

1
: a vertebrate polypeptide hormone that is secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland and regulates growth
also : a recombinant version of this hormone

called also somatotropin

2
: growth regulator

Examples of growth hormone 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.
For the last 30 years, they've been raised without antibiotics, growth hormones, or grains. — Logan Smith, CBS News, 18 May 2026 Resistance training appears to prime a stronger nighttime growth hormone pulse, stacking the daytime signal with overnight repair. — Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 6 May 2026 Chronically low growth hormone is linked to higher risks of obesity, diabetes, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. — Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2026 Over time, chronically low growth hormone is linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes and elevated risk for Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. — Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 30 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for growth hormone

Word History

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of growth hormone was in 1924

Rhymes for growth hormone

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Browse Nearby Words

growth form
growth hormone
growth industry
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Cite this Entry

“Growth hormone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/growth%20hormone. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

growth hormone

noun
: a hormone in plants or animals that regulates growth
especially : one produced by the pituitary gland

Medical Definition

growth hormone

noun
: a vertebrate polypeptide hormone that is secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland and regulates growth
also : a recombinant version of this hormone

called also somatotropic hormone, somatotropin

see human growth hormone

More from Merriam-Webster on growth hormone

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about growth hormone

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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