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

Keep portion sizes in mind, as the amount of carbohydrates eaten at one time can affect blood sugar levels. — Morgan Pearson, Verywell Health, 16 Aug. 2026

Since then, he’s bulked up from 185 pounds to 205 pounds with a high-protein, minimal-carbohydrate diet. — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 15 Aug. 2026

Additional guidance emphasizes that protein-rich breakfasts play a vital role in weight management and appetite regulation compared with carbohydrate-heavy alternatives. — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 13 Aug. 2026

Couples can share the same meals while adjusting portions, protein, carbohydrates, fats, and snacks to meet individual needs. — Jillian Kubala, HEALTH, 12 Aug. 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