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.
While cutting refined carbs can be beneficial, quality carbohydrates provide essential energy, especially for people who exercise regularly. Fred Sassani, Austin American Statesman, 19 Mar. 2026 The beetle’s white exoskeleton is made from a compound called chitin, which is a type of carbohydrate – one that is also commonly found in crab and lobster shells. J. Carson Meredith, The Conversation, 17 Mar. 2026 Cutting out carbohydrates can also disrupt your thyroid hormones, and this can lead to a sort of chain reaction in your body. Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 16 Mar. 2026 But for activities that involve roughly 90 minutes of continuous effort, according to Fray, rapid carbohydrate and electrolyte delivery can help delay fatigue. Marisa McMillan, Outside, 14 Mar. 2026 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 23 Mar. 2026.

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

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