caramel

noun car·a·mel \ ˈkär-məl ; ˈker-ə-məl , ˈka-rə- , -ˌmel \

|Updated on: 17 Jun 2018

Definition of caramel

1 : an amorphous, brittle, brown, and somewhat bitter substance that is obtained by heating sugar and used as a coloring and flavoring agent

Caramel is an ingredient in many carbonated beverages.

2 : a firm chewy usually caramel-flavored candy

a bag of caramels

See caramel defined for English-language learners

See caramel defined for kids

Recent Examples of caramel from the Web

Caramel Assault Salted caramel is a popular flavor of pretty much everything these days, and this doughnut is a great example of that.

— steffi victorioso, Los Angeles Magazine, "Every Signature Doughnut at Donut Friend, Ranked," 1 June 2018
The caramel is not as flavorful as that of the Caramello.

— devra first, BostonGlobe.com, "People are panic-buying Necco wafers. They’re freaking out about the wrong candy.," 17 Apr. 2018
Miami runs on coffee — but don’t come here looking for that tall, non-fat latte with a caramel drizzle.

— carlos frías, miamiherald, "Cuban Coffee 101: Everything to know about ordering coffee in Miami | Miami Herald," 29 Mar. 2018
Most expensive is the caramel and cheddar, selling for $14 for 11 ounces.

— jane ford-stewart, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Popcorn with a mission, it's not just your fluffy treat, anymore, at Greendale store," 21 Feb. 2018
The idea was widely ridiculed, but asking customers to contemplate the most consistently radioactive topic in American society while savoring their preferred combinations of soy, mocha, and caramel was certainly noteworthy.

— jelani cobb, The New Yorker, "Starbucks and the Issue of White Space," 4 June 2017
Azukar Coffee This Mexican-inspired coffee shop in south Phoenix features fun drinks like the Caramelo Mio (latte made with cajeta, or Mexican caramel) and the Dulce de Miel (latte blended with honey and cinnamon).

— kellie hwang, azcentral, "Where to get your caffeine fix in Phoenix when Starbucks stores close on May 29," 28 May 2018
The peanut butter and chocolate semifreddo with brown butter caramel ($8) finished dinner on a high note.

— michael bauer, San Francisco Chronicle, "Cal favorite Henry’s scores big with the food," 22 May 2018
The Goo Goo Cluster Latte is a delightful blend of rich espresso and steamed milk combined with caramel, milk chocolate, peanut and nougat flavors.

— perri ormont blumberg, Southern Living, "Cracker Barrel's New Drink Is a Southerner's Dream Come True," 16 May 2018

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

Origin and Etymology of caramel

French, from Spanish caramelo, from Portuguese, icicle, caramel, from Late Latin calamellus small reed — more at shawm

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1653

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

CARAMEL Defined for English Language Learners

caramel

noun

Definition of caramel for English Language Learners

: a light brown candy made from butter, sugar, and milk or cream
: sugar that is cooked until it is burnt and that is used to give color and flavor to food
: a light brown color

CARAMEL Defined for Kids

caramel

noun car·a·mel \ ˈkär-məl , ˈker-ə-məl \

Definition of caramel for Students

1 : a firm chewy candy

2 : burnt sugar used for coloring and flavoring

Medical Dictionary

caramel

noun car·a·mel \ ˈkar-ə-məl , -ˌmel; ˈkär-məl \

medical Definition of caramel

: an amorphous brittle brown and somewhat bitter substance obtained by heating sugar and used as a coloring and flavoring agent

Learn More about caramel

See words that rhyme with caramel Spanish Central: Translation of caramel Nglish: Translation of caramel for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of caramel for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about caramel

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caramel

Definition of caramel

Recent Examples of caramel from the Web

Origin and Etymology of caramel

Other Food Terms

CARAMEL Defined for English Language Learners

caramel

Definition of caramel for English Language Learners

CARAMEL Defined for Kids

caramel

Definition of caramel for Students

Medical Dictionary

caramel

medical Definition of caramel

Learn More about caramel

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caramel

Definition of caramel

Recent Examples of caramel from the Web

Origin and Etymology of caramel

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CARAMEL Defined for English Language Learners

caramel

Definition of caramel for English Language Learners

CARAMEL Defined for Kids

caramel

Definition of caramel for Students

Medical Dictionary

caramel

medical Definition of caramel

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