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

Garlic is higher in certain vitamins and minerals, and provides more protein and carbohydrates per serving than ginger. — Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 4 July 2026

During this process, enzymes begin to break down proteins, such as those found in hot dogs, while carbohydrates from the buns are converted into sugars. — Jennifer Borresen, USA Today, 3 July 2026

Fiber is a carbohydrate that helps maintain healthy digestion, steady blood sugar levels, and benefits heart health. — Lindsay Curtis, Health, 1 July 2026

Every plate contains high-quality protein to support muscle repair and recovery, carbohydrates to replenish energy stores, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, calcium, iron and magnesium. — Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 29 June 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