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

All runners conclude the race with a cup of hot chocolate, chocolate fondue, and dippables that include fruits, marshmallows, and other sweet treats − and a medal, of course. —Detroit Free Press, 12 Apr. 2024

Garnish with marshmallows, maraschino cherries, coconut flakes, or any ingredient unique to your family recipe. —Michelle Darrisaw, Southern Living, 11 Apr. 2024

Lava cooked pizza, wine and roasting marshmallows at the base of the show-stealing volcano as dusk slips to inky darkness. —Claire Boobbyer, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Apr. 2024

Designers Say Curvy Kitchens Are In for 2024 Smith, a TikTok sensation with nearly 5 million followers, recently shared a video of her late-night popcorn and marshmallow snack. —Sharon Greenthal, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Apr. 2024

The mystery ingredients were doozies: cipollini onions, bamboo shoots, mustard, marshmallows, chicken livers, black garlic, ginseng and more. —Rachel Bernhard, Journal Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2024

No researchers have published research examining the exact link between marshmallow extract and neuropathy, but there are very popular, highly authoritative health websites that cover the pain relieving benefits of marshmallow extract. —Andrew Price, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024

While Swift and Travis Kelce danced and hugged in one such clip, Jason Kelce was shown a few feet away, wildly gyrating next to a reveler in a marshmallow mask. —David K. Li, NBC News, 4 Mar. 2024

It's packed with argan oil for hydration, turmeric extract for environmental defense, and licorice and marshmallow root for radiance. —Kathleen Suico, Allure, 13 Apr. 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