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

The ability to mimic the texture and performance of trad-gen leather proteins sets the material apart from competitors that rely on carbohydrate-heavy inputs, such as mycelium and apple skin. —Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 11 Dec. 2025

Their carbohydrate and protein levels stayed roughly the same. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 Dec. 2025

Juices contain high amounts of carbohydrates, primarily in the form of natural sugars, that your body can quickly absorb. —Merve Ceylan, Health, 9 Dec. 2025

These carbohydrates are rich in starch, which can lead to a blood sugar spike. —Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 8 Dec. 2025

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