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

One thing is clear: Using orzo pasta gets you to a plate of creamy, cheesy carbohydrates in a faster, and more foolproof, way than rice or spaghetti alike. —Eric Kim, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2023

Bodies store a certain amount of excess carbohydrates in a storage molecule known as glycogen. —Amber Sayer, Health, 26 Oct. 2023

Warm ocean water is like carbohydrates for hurricanes and gives the storms more energy. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 19 Oct. 2023

By blocking the activity of this enzyme, what is essentially happening is that white kidney bean extract is reducing the amount of carbohydrates that can be digested, reducing their caloric impact. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 5 Oct. 2023

Braly often suggests that her clients with Crohn’s try a specific carbohydrate diet, which cuts out some harder-to-digest carbs, like whole grains. —Sara Gaynes Levy, SELF, 12 Sep. 2023

Anything that contains refined sugars or simple carbohydrates should be avoided, and remember that the majority of those cereal boxes that claim to be packed with nutrients actually possess ingredients lists that tell a different story: Always read the label. —Hannah Coates, Glamour, 10 Nov. 2023

Learn not only about the foundational roles of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, but also how everyday food choices can be pivotal in transforming your health. —David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Nov. 2023

For me, this means eating about 475 grams of carbohydrates, or the equivalent of 10 bagels a day. —Sam Stone, Bon Appétit, 3 Nov. 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing carbohydrate

• complex carbohydrate

• complex carbohydrate

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