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

Similar to how GLP-1s (glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists) suppress appetite and trigger weight loss, peptides can signal other functions, like the release of growth hormones. —Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2026

Resistance training appears to prime a stronger growth hormone pulse at night, stacking your daytime workout with overnight repair. —Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 30 Apr. 2026

Once repair is complete, growth hormone activates a brainstem region called the locus coeruleus, which gently nudges you toward waking. —Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2026

The biggest growth hormone pulse of the entire 24-hour cycle happens in the first two to three hours after falling asleep. —Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 29 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for growth hormone

• acetone
• anglophone
• baritone
• bourguignon
• buspirone
• chaperon
• chaperone
• cobblestone
• collarbone
• cornerstone
• cortisone
• dictaphone

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