carbohydrate

noun

car·​bo·​hy·​drate ˌkär-bō-ˈhī-ˌdrāt How to pronounce carbohydrate (audio)
-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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
At this time of year, perennial weeds prepare for winter, sending carbohydrates to their roots. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 4 Sep. 2026 Oats Beta-glucans and avenanthramides in oats contribute to this carbohydrate’s anti-inflammatory benefits. — Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 4 Sep. 2026 That compares to a Double Steakburger Double Cheese at 36 grams of protein, 690 calories, and 38 grams of carbohydrates. — Mike Snider, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026 The results suggest that reducing the intake of carbohydrates, particularly sugars, can help people lose weight and support their metabolic health, Klein says. — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for carbohydrate

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of carbohydrate was in 1851

Phrases Containing carbohydrate

Rhymes for carbohydrate

See All Rhymes for carbohydrate

Browse Nearby Words

carbohydrase
carbohydrate
carbohydraturia
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Carbohydrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carbohydrate. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

carbohydrate

noun
car·​bo·​hy·​drate ˌkär-bō-ˈhī-ˌdrāt How to pronounce carbohydrate (audio)
-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 How to pronounce carbohydrate (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on carbohydrate

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about carbohydrate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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