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

Get The Recipe 20 of 21 Caramel Apple Cake Grandma knows that caramel and apples are one of fall's most dynamic duos. —Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2024

Starbucks later started putting together a list of fall beverages to introduce – though drinks with caramel and chocolate were popular among patrons, pumpkin scored higher on uniqueness. —Ramishah Maruf, CNN, 31 Aug. 2024

The caramel and pretzel bits provided an exciting bit of crunchy contrast to the otherwise soft cookie. —Nicholas Florko, STAT, 31 July 2024

Similar flavors are present on the palate, along with nuances of honey malt, cinnamon, and caramel cream. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 17 Aug. 2024

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