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

Banana and Peanut Butter Bananas are a nutrient-dense carbohydrate that may prevent muscle cramps. —Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Health, 25 Dec. 2025

This controls rapid blood sugar spikes (post-meal hyperglycemia) that can occur after eating a carbohydrate-rich diet alone. —Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 23 Dec. 2025

In daylight, participants burned more fat and fewer carbohydrates for energy. —Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 22 Dec. 2025

Incorrect low readings can lead to excessive carbohydrate intake or skipped or delayed insulin doses, Abbott said. —Kerry Breen, CBS News, 3 Dec. 2025

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