carbohydrate

noun

car·​bo·​hy·​drate ˌkär-bō-ˈhī-ˌdrāt 

-drət

: any of various neutral compounds of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (such as sugars, starches, and celluloses) most of which are formed by green plants and which constitute a major class of animal foods

Examples of carbohydrate in a Sentence

a food that is low in protein but high in carbohydrate

Recent Examples on the Web

Naturally occurring sugars can still affect blood glucose levels, making the total carbohydrate content important for people with diabetes to consider. — Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2026

Energy-boosting carbohydrates like potatoes prove especially valuable to those who exercise vigorously. — Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 Oct. 2026

Protein-rich foods are digested more slowly than foods high in refined carbohydrates. — Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 8 Oct. 2026

Milk contains protein and carbohydrates, which slow digestion, prolonging the presence of water in the body. — Veronica Cristino, Vogue, 29 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing carbohydrate

• complex carbohydrate

Rhymes for carbohydrate

• abbreviate
• accelerate
• accommodate
• accumulate
• acuminate
• adjudicate
• adulterate
• affiliate
• agglomerate
• agglutinate
• alleviate
• amalgamate

Kids Definition

carbohydrate

noun

car·​bo·​hy·​drate ˌkär-bō-ˈhī-ˌdrāt 

-drət

: any of various compounds of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (as sugars, starches, or celluloses) most of which are formed by plants and are a major animal food

Medical Definition

carbohydrate

noun

car·​bo·​hy·​drate -ˌdrāt, -drət 

: any of various neutral compounds of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (as sugars, starches, and celluloses) most of which are formed by green plants and which constitute a major class of animal foods