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

Turns out the combination of hot liquid, salt and easily digestible carbohydrates triggers multiple comfort responses in our bodies. —Cheryl Russell, Oc Register, 24 Jan. 2026

Packed with 10 grams of plant protein per serving and low in carbohydrates, these hemp seed hearts add nutrition to your snacks and meals. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 22 Jan. 2026

Oat and rice milk both contain a significant amount of carbohydrates and lack the protein and fat found in dairy milk, which can slow down their absorption and result in a high glycemic index. —Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 21 Jan. 2026

The family member of one inmate complained that the food was carbohydrate-heavy and incompatible with her father’s diabetes and documented food allergies, according to the report. —Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 20 Jan. 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