carb

[ kahrb ]

/ kɑrb /

Informal.

Save This Word!

noun

verb (used without object)

to eat large quantities of carbohydrates before a major physical exertion in order to store up energy (usually followed by up): Some marathon runners carb up on spaghetti the night before a race.

QUIZ

ALL IN FAVO(U)R OF THIS BRITISH VS. AMERICAN ENGLISH QUIZ

There's an ocean of difference between the way people speak English in the US vs. the UK. Are your language skills up to the task of telling the difference? Let's find out!

Question 1 of 7

True or false? British English and American English are only different when it comes to slang words.

true

false

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of carb

By shortening of carbohydrate

Other definitions for carb (2 of 3)

carb²

[ kahrb ]

/ kɑrb /

noun Informal.

a carburetor.

Origin of carb

First recorded in 1950–55; by shortening

Other definitions for carb (3 of 3)

carb-

variant of carbo- before a vowel: carbazole.

How to use carb in a sentence

“I had no sugars, no dairy, I had no carbs,” James announced with pride.
2014 NBA Preview: Skinny LeBron and the Racist Ghost of Donald Sterling|Robert Silverman|October 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But if you give up both animal protein and carbs, what are you supposed to eat?
The Biggest Myths and Truths About Baby Making|Jean Twenge|July 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST
After their workout I suggest a meal that is high in protein, but no limit on carbs.
When Is It OK to Cheat? The Pros and Cons of Cheat Days|DailyBurn|July 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Those carbs need to be burned with cardio, or else weight loss will plateau.
Dispelling the ‘Chronic Cardio’ Myth|Jason Fitzgerald|April 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST

First I cut out all fats, then all carbs, then practically all solid food.
Are Britain’s Private Schools Breeding Grounds For Anorexia?|Emma Woolf|March 3, 2014|DAILY BEAST

British Dictionary definitions for carb

carb

/ (kɑːb) /

noun

short for carburettor

short for carbohydrate

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012