fats

American

[fats] / fæts /

noun

(used with a plural verb) cattle fattened and ready for market.

fats Cultural

Organic compounds that serve as a reserve of energy for the body. Fat is stored in the body's fat tissues, which provide support, protection, and insulation for the body and its organs. A balanced diet must include some fats because, in addition to providing energy for the body, they are necessary for the absorption of certain vitamins.

Usage

What are fats? Fats are greasy substances found in the tissues of animals and some plants. Many of the foods we eat contain these fats. Foods from animals, such as meat, milk, and eggs, all contain fats. So do some plant-based foods, such as nuts, avocados, and olive oil. The singular form fat can be used to collectively refer to the same thing. The body stores and uses fat for energy. The plural form fats is most often used in the context of nutrition. There are several different kinds of fats, such as saturated fats, unsaturated fats, and trans-fats, each of which can have different effects on a person’s nutrition and health. In general, it’s usually recommended not to consume too much fat. However, some fats are necessary in a diet because they help the body to absorb vitamins. The nutrition label on food products usually tell you exactly how much fat and what kinds of fats are in them. Example: This diet is based on avoiding foods that are high in fats.

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Many people consume too much fat in their diet; this imbalance can contribute to various diseases (such as disorders of the heart). Some fats, called saturated fats, have been found to raise the level of cholesterol in the blood, whereas other fats, called unsaturated fats, may help reduce blood cholesterol levels.

Etymology

Origin of fats

Plural of fat

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Areas containing these cells were enriched with specific fats linked to long lasting inflammatory activity.

From Science Daily • Jun. 29, 2026

The other helps mitochondria process certain fats and protein building blocks.

From Science Daily • Jun. 25, 2026

You can also add granola with oats and nuts that contribute healthy fats that slow glucose absorption.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 21, 2026

They contain nitrates, high levels of sodium and saturated fats, and aromatic hydrocarbons that increase the risk of cancer, hypertension, and heart disease.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 21, 2026

So if you wonder why Americans are so obese, consider the fact that waitresses both express their humanity and earn their tips through the covert distribution of fats.

From "Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America" by Barbara Ehrenreich

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023