syrup

noun

syr·​up ˈsər-əp How to pronounce syrup (audio)
ˈsir-əp,
ˈsə-rəp How to pronounce syrup (audio)
variants or less commonly sirup
1
a
: a thick sticky solution of sugar and water often flavored or medicated
b
: the concentrated juice of a fruit or plant
2
: cloying sweetness or sentimentality
syrupy
ˈsər-ə-pē How to pronounce syrup (audio)
ˈsir-ə-
ˈsə-rə-
adjective

Examples of syrup in a Sentence

ice cream and chocolate syrup She poured syrup all over her pancakes.
Recent Examples on the Web Remove pancake from oven, cut into wedges and serve at once topped with syrup, preserves, powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar. Emily Weinstein, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Mar. 2024 Sweet Potato Spritz Cocktail Use sweet potato in a sweet, spiced syrup that helps form the base of this refreshing cocktail. Anna Luisa Rodriguez, Washington Post, 28 Feb. 2024 The sugar syrup is a beloved baking ingredient in the United Kingdom. Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 20 Feb. 2024 The side of the back merchandiser, the soda syrup rack and the dry storage shelves had grease, dust or debris on them, according to the inspection report. Jacqueline Pinedo, Sacramento Bee, 17 Feb. 2024 To create the swirls, drizzle strawberry syrup on top and use a toothpick. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 15 Feb. 2024 Hands-on demonstration of tapping maples and making syrup. Luann Gibbs, The Enquirer, 4 Feb. 2024 There are eight drinks on Halo’s signature craft cocktail menu including The Dirty Halo with eight different liquors — two types of rum, vodka, gin, whiskey, triple sec, amaretto and Galliano — and grenadine and strawberry syrups. Catherine Muccigrosso, Charlotte Observer, 12 Feb. 2024 The unsanitary areas included: the side of the back merchandiser; the soda syrup rack; dry storage shelves; floor and all containers in the storage area hallway; walk-in fan covers and all shelving. Jacqueline Pinedo, Sacramento Bee, 9 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'syrup.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English sirup, from Anglo-French sirop, from Medieval Latin syrupus, from Arabic sharāb

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of syrup was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near syrup

Cite this Entry

“Syrup.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/syrup. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

syrup

noun
syr·​up
variants or sirup
ˈsər-əp,
ˈsir-əp,
ˈsə-rəp
1
: a thick solution of sugar and water often containing a flavoring or a medicine
2
: the juice of a fruit or plant with some of the water removed
syrupy
adjective

Medical Definition

syrup

noun
syr·​up
variants also sirup
: a thick sticky liquid consisting of a concentrated solution of sugar and water with or without the addition of a flavoring agent or medicinal substance
syrup of codeine
syrupy adjective
or sirupy

More from Merriam-Webster on syrup

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