caramel

noun

car·​a·​mel ˈkär-məl  ˈker-ə-məl 

ˈka-rə-,

-ˌmel

1

: a usually firm to brittle, golden-brown to dark brown substance that has a sweet, nutty, buttery, or bitter flavor, is obtained by heating sugar at high temperature, and used especially as a coloring and flavoring agent

Caramel is an ingredient in many candies.

2

: a firm, chewy, usually caramel-flavored candy made with sugar, cream, corn syrup, and butter

a bag of caramels

Examples of caramel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The bourbon is spicy and rich with vanilla, caramel, and a hint of oak on the nose. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025

The crust, alluring in shades of caramel, looked so toothy. —Amy Drew Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2025

Second, Perez recommends asking your colorist for a deep brunette base shade with neutral or warm undertones, and soft, face-framing caramel or chestnut highlights for dimension. —Marci Robin, Allure, 10 Mar. 2025

The world-famous confection starts with a fluffy nougat center that’s then coated in homemade caramel and rolled in pecan bits. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 9 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, from Spanish caramelo, from Portuguese, icicle, caramel, from Late Latin calamellus small reed — more at shawm

First Known Use

1702, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing caramel

• crème caramel

Kids Definition

caramel

noun

car·​a·​mel ˈkär-məl  ˈkar-ə-məl 

-ˌmel

1

: burnt sugar used for coloring and flavoring

2

: a firm chewy candy

Medical Definition

caramel

noun

car·​a·​mel ˈkar-ə-məl  -ˌmel; ˈkär-məl 

: an amorphous brittle brown and somewhat bitter substance obtained by heating sugar and used as a coloring and flavoring agent