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

Interestingly, consumption of protein, alcohol, carbohydrates, and calcium had no bearing on injury risk. —Brian Mastroianni, Health, 9 May 2025

Potatoes contain carbohydrates, water, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. —Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 9 May 2025

And, unlike the go-to source of carbohydrates and proteins, the go-to alternative energy was deposited fat. —Bronwyn Thompson, New Atlas, 7 May 2025

There is also a starchy middle layer called the endosperm, which contains simple carbohydrates as well as some protein and nutrients. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 May 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