Definition

Noun: A raw carrot that has been cut into a long, slender, stick-like shape, typically intended to be eaten as a snack or with a dip.

Usage

The term "carrot stick" refers specifically to the prepared form of the vegetable. It is a common, healthy snack food. - The children's lunchboxes contained carrot sticks and hummus. - For the party, we prepared a platter of celery and carrot sticks.

Advanced Usage

• "carrot and stick": This is a separate, idiomatic phrase referring to a motivational strategy using a combination of rewards ("carrot") and punishments ("stick"). It is not a variant of "carrot stick" but a distinct expression.
  • The manager used a carrot and stick approach to improve productivity.

Variants and Related Words

• Crudités (noun): A selection of raw vegetables, such as carrot sticks, celery, and peppers, served as an appetizer, often with a dip.
• Baby carrot (noun): A small carrot, often sold pre-peeled and snack-ready, which can serve a similar purpose as carrot sticks.

Synonyms

• Raw carrot stick
• Carrot baton (less common, more formal/culinary)

Notes

"Carrot stick" is a compound noun. The primary meaning is the food item. It is important to distinguish it from the idiomatic phrase "carrot and stick," which is a figurative expression unrelated to the prepared snack.

Noun

1. a stick of carrot eaten raw