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 nose features aromas of baking spices, stone fruits, toasted nuts and almonds, and hints of vanilla and caramel. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024

The Maple Robust Porter, called a Canadian Mounties Porter, has flavors of dark caramel with moderate, and roasty malt notes reminiscent of fall and the change in the season. —Kathryn Gregory, The Courier-Journal, 9 Dec. 2024

Their unique doughnut options include maple bacon, honey glazed, bourbon caramel, lemonade and turtle cheesecake. Details: 707 S. Farmer Ave., Suite 123, Tempe. —Reia Li, The Arizona Republic, 6 Dec. 2024

His voice was as sweet as caramel and almost unthinkably strong. —Charlie Mason, TVLine, 2 Dec. 2024

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