carob

noun

car·​ob ˈker-əb 

ˈka-rəb

1

: a Mediterranean evergreen leguminous tree (Ceratonia siliqua) with racemose red flowers

2

: a pod of the carob tree or its sweet pulp having a flavor similar to that of chocolate

Examples of carob in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Each section of the garden was, and is, home to a different species, among them magnolias, agapanthus, pittosporum, holm oaks, and carob trees. — Elena Dallorso, Architectural Digest, 6 Oct. 2026

Spend time wandering the surrounding Mediterranean garden, which is dotted with walnut, carob, orange, and olive trees, before making the 40-minute coastal drive to Chania’s 14th-century Venetian harbor. — Katie Silcox, Vogue, 28 May 2026

But many brands mix stabilizers and thickeners, such as tapioca starch and carob gum, into their products for consistency. — Emily Saladino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Mar. 2026

The culprit appeared to be tara flour, made from the seed pods of a thorny tree called Peruvian carob. — Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 3 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle French carobe, from Medieval Latin carrubium, from Arabic kharrūba

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for carob

• carib
• cherub

Kids Definition

carob

noun

car·​ob ˈkar-əb 

: the sweet pod of a Mediterranean evergreen tree of the legume family that can be prepared to resemble chocolate and is used in various foods

Medical Definition

carob

noun

car·​ob ˈkar-əb 

1

: a Mediterranean evergreen leguminous tree (Ceratonia siliqua) with racemose red flowers

2

: a carob pod

also : its sweet pulp