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1

candy

noun can·dy \ ˈkan-dē \

Updated on: 16 May 2018

Definition of candy

plural candies

1 : crystallized sugar formed by boiling down sugar syrup

2 a : a confection made with sugar and often flavoring and filling

b : a piece of such confection

3 : something that is pleasant or appealing in a light or frivolous way

visual candy

—

candy

adjective

See candy defined for English-language learners

See candy defined for kids

Examples of candy in a Sentence

The cough syrup tastes like candy.

Recent Examples of candy from the Web

For any fashion girl who loved to adorn her fingers with Ring Pops back in the day, Maayan Zilberman’s candy is the stuff of dreams.

— brooke bobb, Vogue, "Would You Wear This Versace-Inspired Candy Jewelry to the Met Gala?," 4 May 2018
Visitors will discover, with kid-in-a-candy-store wonder, just how sweet the San Diego County Fair truly is.

— union-tribune rewards, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Get Two Free Tickets to the 2018 San Diego County Fair," 2 May 2018
The Sanders building years ago housed a Sanders chocolate and candy store and, more recently, was home to Banks Bail Bonds.

— detroit free press staff, Detroit Free Press, "LinkedIn signs lease to move into historic Sanders building in Detroit," 27 Apr. 2018
The divisive candy might not be long for this world y’all!

— Southern Living, "171 Years Later, Why Necco Wafers are Becoming America's Most Sought-After Candy," 11 Apr. 2018
The bagged candies are the worst example of this, the scientists say.

— scott berson, kansascity, "Easter candy is hurting the planet, scientists say | The Kansas City Star," 30 Mar. 2018
Easter is the time of year where the marshmallow candy covered in sugar is everywhere.

— natalie dreier, ajc, "Peeps: Love ‘em or hate ‘em, they’re here and here’s what you can do with them," 29 Mar. 2018
Review site Influenster has used its data to decide which Easter candies are the most talked about by state.

— ashley may, USA TODAY, "Your kid’s Easter basket likely packs over a month’s worth of sugar," 28 Mar. 2018
My dog was asleep in front of the woodstove, a package with cards and candy was on its way to my grandkids for Valentine’s Day.

— beverly donofrio, Longreads, "The Friend That Got Away," 16 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'candy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of candy

Middle English sugre candy, partial translation of Middle French sucre candi, from Old French sucre sugar + Arabic qandī candied, from qand crystallized sugar

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

Other Food Terms

Reuben, calamari, chuck, curry, edamame, foie gras, hummus, leaven, nonpareil, peel

2

candy

verb

Definition of candy

candied; candying

transitive verb

1 : to encrust in or coat with sugar; specifically : to cook (something, such as fruit or fruit peel) in a heavy syrup until glazed

2 : to make attractive : sweeten

candying up the duke's reputation

3 : to crystallize into sugar

intransitive verb

: to become coated or encrusted with sugar crystals : become crystallized into sugar

Examples of candy in a Sentence

the publisher hopes the flashy cover will candy up the novel for impulse buyers

Recent Examples of candy from the Web

Fans loved her fiery oxtail curry, eclectic drinks menu and what would become her signature dish: the crunchy fried kale and candied bacon dressed in fish sauce.

— michael russell, OregonLive.com, "Two years after closing, one of Portland's most exciting restaurants will return," 11 May 2018
Adler paired candied pecans with the chèvre, honey with the pepito, and cherries with the Gouda.

— allison steele, Philly.com, "What makes a good cheese plate? A how-to for amateurs," 10 Apr. 2018
Their third flavor, Lots a’ Nacho, is the most outlandish of the five concoctions, featuring cheddar cheese ice cream with tomato jam, candied tortilla chips and avocado fudge.

— sarah fritsche, San Francisco Chronicle, "Salt & Straw asked local kids to invent new ice cream flavors. Here’s what they created.," 30 Mar. 2018
Made completely from scratch and not dissimilar to brioche, their ever-changing menu of flaky creations is full of surprises (like a fig and candied walnut that is as so delicious other local shops are trying to replicate it).

— sara tardiff, ELLE Decor, "Staycation At The Hoxton Paris Without Venturing More Than 15 Minutes Away," 4 Oct. 2017
Sterling desserts included an elegant crostata with blackberry jam and candied orange peel.

— tim smith, baltimoresun.com, "Lupa, the replacement for Petit Louis in Columbia, will make you want to return," 26 Apr. 2018
Johnson wrote, a siren call to those who are allegedly candied of ass.

— yohana desta, HWD, "Is This Really the End of the Rock and Vin Diesel’s “Candy Ass” Feud?," 5 Apr. 2018
Cook with maple syrup: Recipes for maple pecan pie bars, chicken breasts, salad dressing and candied bacon.

— debbi snook, cleveland.com, "Where to find real maple syrup pancake breakfasts and trips to the sugarbush (photos)," 7 Mar. 2018
Production of Treat Bake Shop's spiced and candied nuts will move into Quince and Apple's Madison kitchen.

— sarah hauer, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Artisan jam maker Quince and Apple buys Milwaukee's Treat Bake Shop," 26 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'candy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of candy

1533

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

candy Synonyms

Synonyms

dress up, enhance, sweeten;

Related Words

ameliorate, enrich, improve, meliorate;

embellish, soup up, trick;

cosmeticize, doll up, spruce;

CANDY Defined for English Language Learners

candy

noun

Definition of candy for English Language Learners

: a sweet food made with sugar or chocolate

CANDY Defined for Kids

1

candy

noun can·dy \ ˈkan-dē \

Definition of candy for Students

plural candies

: a sweet made of sugar often with flavoring and filling

2

candy

verb

Definition of candy for Students

candied; candying

: to coat or become coated with sugar often by cooking

Learn More about candy

See words that rhyme with candy Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for candy Spanish Central: Translation of candy Nglish: Translation of candy for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of candy for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about candy

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up candy? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

WORD OF THE DAY

sacrosanct

play

immune from criticism or violation

BROWSE DICTIONARY

C and SC

C and W

candy

candy apple

candy-ass

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Examples: candy in a Sentence