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

Don’t Fertilize Fertilizer spurs grass to grow quickly and growth demands carbohydrates which are in short supply during a heat wave. — Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Aug. 2026

As Soares notes, protein and healthy fats digest more slowly than carbohydrates alone, while fiber helps slow digestion and promote satiety. — Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 8 Aug. 2026

There’s no single ideal macro breakdown, but general guidelines recommend 45–65% of daily calories from carbohydrates, 20–35% from fat, and 10–35% from protein. — Jillian Kubala, HEALTH, 7 Aug. 2026

Stay hydrated and care for your body, fueling it with healthy and balanced foods containing protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. — Angela Ryan Lee, Verywell Health, 6 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