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.
Depending on the brand and type, protein, calcium, sugar, and carbohydrate content may also vary, so be sure to check the labels. Lauren O'Connor, Ms, Health, 3 Feb. 2025 The latest research and the experience of record-setting runners show that taking fuel—in the form of energy gels or other fast-acting carbohydrates—during long-distance efforts has big benefits for performance. Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 28 Jan. 2025 The diet eliminates carbohydrates entirely, relying instead on proteins and fats for energy, all of which are from animal sources. Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025 The nutrition experts recommend especially prioritizing low glycemic index carbohydrates such as legumes, whole grains, and tubers. Vicky Vera, Glamour, 24 Jan. 2025 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

Dictionary Entries Near carbohydrate

Cite this Entry

“Carbohydrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carbohydrate. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.

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

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