complex carbohydrate

noun

: a polysaccharide (such as starch or cellulose) consisting of usually hundreds or thousands of monosaccharide units

also : a food (such as rice or pasta) composed primarily of such polysaccharides

Examples of complex carbohydrate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Specifically, apples provide complex carbohydrates and fiber, while nut butter offers fiber, protein, and healthy fat. — Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 8 Aug. 2026

Taking a strict 45-minute pause to fuel with complex carbohydrates and healthy fats (such as durum semolina pasta with olive oil, garlic, and nuts) provides a steady, slow-release metabolic anchor straight through the afternoon. — Luciana Paulise, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

On average, beans are made up of 21 % protein, 77 % complex carbohydrates and only a few percent fat, according to the Blue Zones site. — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026

Teff also contains amylose, a complex carbohydrate (starch) that is digested slowly. — Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 2 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for complex carbohydrate

• acetoacetate
• macroinvertebrate
• oxaloacetate
• phosphoenolpyruvate
• abate
• airfreight
• await
• baseplate
• berate
• birthdate
• birthrate
• bookplate

Medical Definition

complex carbohydrate

noun

: a polysaccharide (as starch or cellulose) consisting of usually hundreds or thousands of monosaccharide units

also : a food (as rice or pasta) composed primarily of such polysaccharides