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 official tasting notes describe aromas of caramel and vanilla on the nose, followed by sweet caramel, charred oak, and more vanilla on the palate, ending with a long, velvety caramel finish. — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 16 July 2026

If chocolate on chocolate isn’t your top choice, use another flavor like caramel, almond, or coconut-pecan (for some German chocolate vibes). — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 July 2026

Don't be surprised if this nutty, caramel-y, chocolaty snack mix disappears quickly! — Hannah Agran, Midwest Living, 23 June 2026

Shoppers are gravitating toward scents that double as emotional rituals, whether that means a warm vanilla, a sweet caramel or a fruit-and-cream gourmand that pulls double duty as a comfort scent. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 18 June 2026

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