carbohydrate

noun

car·​bo·​hy·​drate ˌkär-bō-ˈhī-ˌdrāt How to pronounce carbohydrate (audio)
-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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
High-carb foods, like fruit, have a higher GI because carbohydrates have the greatest impact on blood sugar.1 Glycemic Load The GL accounts for both the GI and the ingested serving size of a food. Jillian Kubala, Health, 10 July 2025 However, when the carbohydrates are all burned up, the body will start to rely on fat stores, including the fatty myelin in the brain. Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 3 July 2025 Pure’s single-ingredient formula is highly bioavailable, meaning your body can absorb it, and can support the metabolism and breakdown of carbohydrates, amino acids, and fats in the body. Brianna Peters, Vogue, 30 June 2025 Gels offer an easy, packable way to get those carbohydrates without trying to stuff a sesame bagel into your shorts pockets. Jennifer Heimlich, SELF, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for carbohydrate

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of carbohydrate was in 1851

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Carbohydrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carbohydrate. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

carbohydrate

noun
car·​bo·​hy·​drate ˌkär-bō-ˈhī-ˌdrāt How to pronounce carbohydrate (audio)
-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 How to pronounce carbohydrate (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on carbohydrate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!