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caramel

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

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

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Recent Examples of caramel from the Web

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

Other Food Terms

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

CARAMEL Defined for English Language Learners

caramel

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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

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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

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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

  1. 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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