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

People can work with a dietitian to eat a more nutritious diet, for instance by reducing sugary beverages and refined carbohydrates and prioritizing vegetables and fiber- and protein-rich foods. — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2026

Eating large amounts of refined carbohydrates is also associated with elevated blood sugar and high insulin levels in the blood. — Karen Berger, Verywell Health, 6 Nov. 2026

Spinach, broccoli, zucchini, peppers, and eggplant are nonstarchy vegetables that provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals while being low in carbohydrates and calories. — Lindsey Desoto, HEALTH, 4 Nov. 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