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 same review found that late luteal cravings for carbohydrates and comfort food are physiologically driven, not a willpower failure. —Allison Palmer updated June 13, Sacbee.com, 13 June 2026

For post-workout meals, sports nutritionists and physicians recommend combining carbohydrates and protein to replenish glycogen stores and support muscle repair. —Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 13 June 2026

Exceeding the carbohydrate storage capacity results in excess fat. —Nicole Bennett, AJC.com, 12 June 2026

Doubling the chicken is what pushes this bowl into a higher-protein category, while the quinoa and sweet potatoes provide steady, satisfying carbohydrates. —Jennifer Klump, Verywell Health, 11 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