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

While most nutrition authorities agree that people with type 2 diabetes can and should enjoy nutritious high-carbohydrate foods such as fresh fruit and whole grains, carbohydrate restriction may be the most reliable way to reduce blood sugar levels. —Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 27 Feb. 2026

Additionally, carbohydrates help replenish glycogen stores after exercise. —Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 27 Feb. 2026

Eating Too Many Refined Carbohydrates Refined carbohydrates such as white bread, pancakes, and bagels digest quickly and lack fiber. —Lindsey Desoto, Health, 26 Feb. 2026

For several years, wellness and nutrition influencers have promoted a process called retrogradation, urging people to cook, chill, then reheat carbohydrate-rich foods. —ABC News, 26 Feb. 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