# carb

/ˈkɑɹb/ (US) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/carb
Updated: 2026-05-04

## Definition

a short word for carbohydrate. You use it when talking about food, especially bread, pasta, and sugar.

For teachers: an informal abbreviation for carbohydrate, referring to a major class of nutrients found in foods like grains, fruits, and vegetables.

## Examples

- I try to eat fewer carbs on weekends.
- The doctor advised him to reduce his carb intake to help manage his blood sugar levels.
- Modern dietary trends often demonize carbs, yet they remain the primary energy source for high-intensity athletic performance.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.