hydrocarbon

noun

hy·​dro·​car·​bon ˈhī-drō-ˌkär-bən How to pronounce hydrocarbon (audio)
: an organic compound (such as acetylene or butane) containing only carbon and hydrogen and often occurring in petroleum, natural gas, coal, and bitumens

Examples of hydrocarbon in a Sentence

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.
The Persian Gulf is not merely a conduit for hydrocarbons. — John W.h. Denton Ao, Fortune, 6 June 2026 For Big Oil, that still often means hydrocarbons, especially oil, gas, and LNG. — Robert Rapier, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026 The reaction of hydrocarbons is actually the same type of explosion that fuels automobiles. — Ryan C. Fortenberry, The Conversation, 5 June 2026 De la Espriella has pledged to open up the countryside to fracking and reverse Petro's moratorium on new hydrocarbon and mining contracts. — John Otis, NPR, 21 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for hydrocarbon

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hydrocarbon was in 1826

Phrases Containing hydrocarbon

Rhymes for hydrocarbon

See All Rhymes for hydrocarbon

Browse Nearby Words

hydrocalumite
hydrocarbon
hydrocarbonate
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hydrocarbon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hydrocarbon. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

hydrocarbon

noun
hy·​dro·​car·​bon ˌhī-drə-ˈkär-bən How to pronounce hydrocarbon (audio)
: a compound containing only carbon and hydrogen

Medical Definition

hydrocarbon

noun
hy·​dro·​car·​bon -ˈkär-bən How to pronounce hydrocarbon (audio)
: an organic compound (as acetylene, benzene, or butane) containing only carbon and hydrogen and often occurring in petroleum, natural gas, coal, and bitumens

More from Merriam-Webster on hydrocarbon

Nglish: Translation of hydrocarbon for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hydrocarbon

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