custard

noun

cus·​tard ˈkə-stərd 

plural custards

: a cooked mixture made of eggs and milk or cream and usually having a thick, creamy consistency

By the eighteenth century it had become the dessert we know today: a layered treat of sponge cake, custard, fruit, jam, whipped cream and spirits.

—Bon Appétit

We toss a laurel wreath to the chefs for their … pastitsio and moussaka, both of which sported a savory custard topping.

—Greg Morago et al.

Smooth and creamy, custard lends itself to a range of both sweet and savory dishes.

—Gabrielle Shaughness

custardy

ˈkə-stər-dē 

adjective

Examples of custard in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The pie crust is perfectly golden brown and flaky, adding a nice texture to the smooth custard. —Amanda Holstein, Southern Living, 5 Nov. 2024

In addition to measuring, a liquid measuring cup is perfect for adding eggs to the bowl of a stand mixer (one at a time) and portioning creme brulée custard evenly into ramekins. —Editors Of Bon Appétit, Bon Appétit, 1 Nov. 2024

Vanilla continues onto the palate but morphs into custard form, complemented by notes of fennel pollen, a hint of banana, a healthy dose of spice, and a bit of leather and oak. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 28 Oct. 2024

This site compiles Flavor of the Day for over 50 Milwaukee-area custard shops. —Steven Martinez, Journal Sentinel, 19 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, a kind of pie, alteration of crustarde, crustade, probably from Anglo-French *crustade, from cruste crust, from Latin crusta — more at crust

First Known Use

circa 1616, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing custard

• custard apple

Kids Definition

custard

noun

cus·​tard ˈkəs-tərd 

: a sweetened mixture of milk and eggs baked, boiled, or frozen