Synonyms

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.

Discover More

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.

Darling is one of a handful of companies turning animal fats, cooking oil, and food waste into diesel, jet fuel, fertilizer, and feedstock.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

There is general agreement that ultraprocessed foods are high-calorie foods high in unhealthy fats, sugar and salt, typically with low nutritional value.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 23, 2026

A. The federal dietary guidelines have long recommended that people limit added sugars, saturated fats and sodium.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

The condition is caused by the buildup of plaque — meaning fats, cholesterol and other substances — in and on the artery walls, which can lead to events such as heart attacks, strokes and aneurysms.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2026

Now researchers think these hydrogenated trans fats in margarine are actually worse for our hearts than butter.

From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan

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