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

Whatever the type, potatoes are generally very similar from a calorie, carbohydrate, and fiber standpoint, and any potato can be a healthy, nutrient-rich addition to your plate, adds Amy Davis, RDN, founder of Amy Davis Nutrition. — Randi Gollin, Martha Stewart, 26 July 2026

For example, someone with Type 2 diabetes can benefit from eating fewer foods with refined carbohydrates, such as cookies, candies and sodas, and more foods high in fiber, protein and fats to stabilize their blood sugar. — Minakshi Raj, The Conversation, 24 July 2026

Research indicates that overconsumption of carbohydrates in particular may hinder blood sugar management, especially in people with type 2 diabetes. — Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 24 July 2026

With a tick bite, all of the carbohydrate is injected directly into the blood, where immune cells are on constant watch for anything unusual. — Alice Park, Time, 23 July 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