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

Made in America with fresh ingredients, McCrea's caramels create connections between taste, memory and the people around you. —Tory Johnson, ABC News, 23 Apr. 2026

The lineup also includes Nigel's Go-to Doppio, an espresso con panna with mocha sauce, as well as Emily's Fave Iced Chai, an iced chai latte with almond milk and sugar-free caramel. —Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2026

Many Easter treats – caramels, gummies and sticky chocolate – require strong chewing and precise coordination to swallow comfortably. —Sundeep Venkatesan, The Conversation, 23 Mar. 2026

Microwave, stirring every 30 seconds, until caramels are melted, 1½ to 2 minutes. —Jessica Saari Christensen, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Mar. 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