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

Venezuela’s recent overhaul of its decades-old hydrocarbons laws could help revive oil production and improve transparency, though key legal and structural risks remain, economists and industry advisers say. —Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 17 Feb. 2026

She’s made enormous positive changes, including already changing the hydrocarbon law in the country in the first few weeks. —Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 12 Feb. 2026

The incident, which released flammable hydrocarbons, injured four workers and forced 14 schools into lockdown. —Jasmine Mendez, Los Angeles Times, 8 Feb. 2026

This chemical reaction occurs on a catalyst surface where hydrogen and carbon atoms link to form hydrocarbon chains of varying lengths. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 5 Feb. 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

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