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

These cereals tend to contain more sugar and carbohydrates than their typical cereal counterparts. —Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 22 Jan. 2025

Pancakes are typically low in fiber, which causes your body to digest carbohydrates quickly. —Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Rdn, Health, 20 Jan. 2025

The liver is responsible for metabolizing fats, carbohydrates and proteins. —Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025

Nutrition information: Each serving contains approximately 362 calories, 19 g protein, 8 g fat, 51 g carbohydrate, 31 mg cholesterol, 528 mg sodium and 5 g fiber. —Susan Nicholson, arkansasonline.com, 15 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing carbohydrate

• complex carbohydrate

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