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.
Greek Yogurt The protein in Greek yogurt has a higher thermic effect than fat and carbohydrates, which means your body burns more calories digesting it.8 Yogurt also contains probiotics, which may improve gut health. Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 22 May 2025 Kids who eat cereal for breakfast have higher intakes of several nutrients including carbohydrates, dietary fiber, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, potassium, B vitamins, vitamins A and D, and whole grains, according to the study. Nicole Brown Chau, CBS News, 22 May 2025 On the flip side, white bread is a good source of carbohydrates – about 13 grams in a single slice. Daryl Austin, USA Today, 21 May 2025 Talking with your health care providers about fluoride supplements to help ward off dental decay. Diet and dental hygiene Cavities are mainly caused by eating excess sugar and refined carbohydrates. Matt Fuchs, Time, 14 May 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 29 May. 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

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