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

The caramel isn’t too chewy and doesn’t get stuck in your teeth. —Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 9 Oct. 2025

The nose is bold and inviting leading with rich caramel and cream, joined by oak, leather, and a hit of ripe cherry. —Gege Reed, Louisville Courier Journal, 1 Oct. 2025

These chewy apple cider caramels start with a long, slow cider reduction that fills your kitchen with the scent of bubbling apples and warm spices. —Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Sep. 2025

From the caramel and spice of Guanajuato to the citrus and red fruit of Michoacán, each region contributes distinct notes. —Gina Pace, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025

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