Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

low-carb

American  
[loh-kahrb] / ˈloʊˈkɑrb /
Or lo-carb

adjective

Informal.
  1. containing few or fewer carbohydrates.

    a low-carb diet.


Etymology

Origin of low-carb

First recorded in 1970–75; low 1 + carb(ohydrate)

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"The efficacy of low-carb and low-fat diets in reducing CHD risk is a topic of ongoing debate, and past studies showed mixed findings."

From Science Daily • Feb. 17, 2026

Also featured are studies by Mr. Hall, who has shown that there is not a meaningful difference between low-carb and low-fat diets when it comes to losing weight.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 5, 2025

The low-carb approach is different to the one taken by the NHS which supports suitable patients with a three-month diet replacement programme, where normal food is swapped for low-calorie soups, shakes and nutrition bars.

From BBC • Feb. 13, 2025

He signed up for WeightWatchers and bought “Dr. Atkins’ Diet Revolution” to try the low-carb regimen.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 18, 2024

By the time Dad sits down, with his own low-carb meal, the kids may have gotten up.

From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan