hydrocarbon

noun

hy·​dro·​car·​bon ˈhī-drō-ˌkär-bən 

: an organic compound (such as acetylene or butane) containing only carbon and hydrogen and often occurring in petroleum, natural gas, coal, and bitumens

Examples of hydrocarbon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In Argentina, despite a burgeoning hydrocarbon sector, higher energy costs have renewed inflation concerns and created a headache for Milei, whose disapproval rating spiked to 63 percent in late April, up from 49 percent at the start of the year. — Dan Restrepo, Foreign Affairs, 30 Sep. 2026

In a soluble protein, all of the pure hydrocarbon side chains end up packed into the center, while the acids, bases, and hydroxyl-containing side chains face the water. — ArsTechnica, 30 Sep. 2026

Salt caverns present severe geographical constraints, while aquifers and depleted hydrocarbon fields lack demonstrated, long-term containment integrity for hydrogen gas. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 29 Sep. 2026

Mads Claus Rasmussen | Afp | Getty Images Greenland Energy is an oil and gas exploration firm focused on trying to unlock the hydrocarbon potential of the Jameson Land Basin on the island’s east coast. — Sam Meredith, CNBC, 21 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing hydrocarbon

• polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon
• polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon

Rhymes for hydrocarbon

• fluorocarbon
• carbon
• radiocarbon

Kids Definition

hydrocarbon

noun

hy·​dro·​car·​bon ˌhī-drə-ˈkär-bən 

: a compound containing only carbon and hydrogen

Medical Definition

hydrocarbon

noun

hy·​dro·​car·​bon -ˈkär-bən 

: an organic compound (as acetylene, benzene, or butane) containing only carbon and hydrogen and often occurring in petroleum, natural gas, coal, and bitumens