marshmallow

noun

marsh·​mal·​low ˈmärsh-ˌme-lō 

-ˌma-

1

usually marsh mallow : a pink-flowered European perennial herb (Althaea officinalis) of the mallow family that is naturalized in the eastern U.S. and has flowers, leaves, and roots used in herbal remedies

2

: a sweet white confection usually in the form of a spread or small spongy cylindrical pieces now usually made from corn syrup, sugar, albumen, and gelatin but formerly from the marshmallow's root

also : one of these spongy pieces

toasted marshmallows on sticks over a campfire

marshmallowy

ˈmärsh-ˌme-lə-wē 

-ˌma-

adjective

Examples of marshmallow in a Sentence

We toasted marshmallows over the fire.

Recent Examples on the Web

Simply pour your favorite hot liquid over it to reveal a festive surprise of marshmallows and sprinkles. —Amber Love Bond, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025

After a long day of hiking, relax by the campfire, toast marshmallows, and swap stories with fellow travelers. —Annabelle Canela, Parents, 14 Jan. 2025

Winter Festival: The city of Poway is hosting a free Winter Festival with sledding, roasting marshmallows, ice skating on a synthetic rink, photo booth and more from 3:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11 at the Poway Community Park, 13094 Civic Center Drive. —Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Jan. 2025

Hot drinks and marshmallows for roasting over a campfire will be available. —Amy Schwabe, Journal Sentinel, 30 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

marshmallow

noun

marsh·​mal·​low ˈmärsh-ˌmel-ō 

-ˌmal-

1

: a pink-flowered herb related to the mallows that has a root sometimes used in sweets and in medicine

2

: a soft spongy sweet formerly made from the root of the marshmallow but now usually prepared from corn syrup, sugar, albumen, and gelatin

Medical Definition

marshmallow

noun

marsh·​mal·​low ˈmärsh-ˌmel-ō, -ˌmel-ə(-w), -ˌmal- 

: a European perennial herb of the genus Althaea (A. officinalis) naturalized in the eastern United States whose pink flowers, velvety leaves, and mucilaginous root are used in herbal medicine and whose root was formerly used in confectionary see althaea sense 2