Lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) are newly discovered copper-dependent oxidases usually with diverse modular combinations, and can decompose biomass polysaccharides through an oxidative mechanism. The catalytic domains of LPMOs share a β-sandwich structure, and their active sites contain a single copper ion. Their catalytic reaction process is more complicated than that of glycoside hydrolases. After binding the substrate, electrons provided by the electron donor are transferred to Cu[Ⅱ] in the active site of LPMOs via electron transport chain, then Cu[Ⅱ] is reduced to Cu[Ⅰ] which bind and activate oxygen, finally LPMOs break down the glycosidic bond of polysaccharides via oxidative cleavage, generating oxidized and non-oxidized products. Recent studies demonstrate that LPMOs can significantly enhance the efficiency of lignocellulolytic enzymes in degrading crystaline cellulose. Further investigation of LPMOs can expand the understanding of their efficient degradation mechanism and provide theoretical guidance for recomposing high-efficiency degradation enzymes to lower the cost in industrial application. This review addresses the recent research progress of LPMOs and analyzes perspective of potential research fields and practical applications.