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

Balancing protein intake with complex carbohydrates at breakfast can help fuel your day and support healthy blood glucose levels and satiety. —Elizabeth Barnes, Verywell Health, 3 Apr. 2025

Consider pairing your high-protein breakfast with some complex carbohydrates, like whole-grain toast. —Lauren O'Connor, Ms, Health, 25 Mar. 2025

Avoid early dumping syndrome by pairing complex carbohydrates with protein and fiber at meals and separating liquids from solid foods.1 Food Intolerance Changes in how your body digests and absorbs food may influence food preferences or aversions. —Amy Brownstein, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 19 Mar. 2025

Beans Legumes like beans are full of complex carbohydrates, offering a steady stream of energy after consumption. —Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 13 Feb. 2025

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