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
When refueling after outdoor adventures or gym sessions, opt for meals and snacks that contain both protein and carbohydrates to support recovery.
—
Emma Loewe, Outside, 1 Jan. 2026
Beans contain oligosaccharides, a type of carbohydrate chain made up of simple sugars that our bodies have trouble digesting.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 30 Dec. 2025
Viar recommends avocado, nuts, and seeds; eating protein such as eggs, chicken, tofu, or fish at every meal; including slow-absorption carbohydrates such as potato, sweet potato, rice, and oatmeal; and drinking calming infusions such as chamomile or lemon balm.
—Mónica Heras, Vogue, 30 Dec. 2025
Before a workout, the carbohydrates in a banana (about 27 grams) can provide quick energy, notes Schiff.
—Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for carbohydrate
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Emma Loewe, Outside, 1 Jan. 2026
Beans contain oligosaccharides, a type of carbohydrate chain made up of simple sugars that our bodies have trouble digesting.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 30 Dec. 2025
Viar recommends avocado, nuts, and seeds; eating protein such as eggs, chicken, tofu, or fish at every meal; including slow-absorption carbohydrates such as potato, sweet potato, rice, and oatmeal; and drinking calming infusions such as chamomile or lemon balm.
—Mónica Heras, Vogue, 30 Dec. 2025
Before a workout, the carbohydrates in a banana (about 27 grams) can provide quick energy, notes Schiff.
—Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for carbohydrate
Cite this Entry
“Carbohydrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carbohydrate. Accessed 4 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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