candy

1 of 2

noun

can·​dy ˈkan-dē 

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

candy

2 of 2

verb

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

Synonyms of candy

Verb

• sweeten
• spruce
• improve
• enhance

Examples of candy in a Sentence

Noun

The cough syrup tastes like candy.

Verb

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Award-winning coffee from Daily Grind in Unionville, hot chocolate, tea, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, breakfast sandwiches, popcorn, candy, flew out that window. — Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 28 Sep. 2026

The intimate setting was matched by a number of thoughtful details throughout the evening, including complimentary BonBon candy, popcorn, and commemorative showbills personally signed by Perez for attendees. — Rolling Stone, 28 Sep. 2026

Verb

Brushed with seasoned butter and topped with bacon ranch, green onion, and candied jalapeños. — Bianca Harris, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026

Customers who want waffles at No Knife will pay anywhere from $15 for a plain one to $45 for a waffle topped with collard greens, candied yams, and mac and cheese. — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 8 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

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

First Known Use

Noun

1587, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

circa 1537, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing candy

• arm candy
• candy apple
• candy cane
• candy coat
• candy-coated
• candy floss
• candy-striped
• candy striper
• cotton candy
• ear candy
• eye candy
• hard candy
• penny candy
• rock candy

Rhymes for candy

• bandy
• brandy
• dandy
• grandee
• randy
• shandy

Kids Definition

candy

1 of 2 noun

can·​dy ˈkan-dē 

plural candies

: a sweet made of sugar often with flavoring and filling

candy

2 of 2 verb

candied; candying

: to coat or become coated with sugar

especially : to cook (fruit or fruit peel) in sugar syrup