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

Quick-absorbing carbohydrates provide a faster energy source that may not last as long. —Caitlin Beale, Health, 15 May 2026

After a tough workout, choosing whole-food snacks that pair high-quality protein with carbohydrates and antioxidants can help support muscle recovery. —Christopher Bergland, Verywell Health, 15 May 2026

Neanderthals had a much richer oral microbiome than modern humans, as well as a low-carbohydrate diet, both of which resulted in fewer cavity-causing bacteria, previous research has shown. —Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 13 May 2026

The meal should include both protein and carbohydrates for lasting energy. —Lynn Andriani, Martha Stewart, 13 May 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