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

As a carbohydrate, rice is an excellent food (substrate) for bacterial growth. — Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 17 July 2026

This standard ready-to-drink bottle also has 220 calories, 44g of carbohydrates and 40g of sugar. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson july 16, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026

Protein is more satiating than carbohydrates alone and may reduce the urge to snack before lunch. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 15 July 2026

Protein is more satiating than carbohydrates alone, so pairing it with a morning coffee can help curb hunger before lunch. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 15 July 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