caramel

noun

car·​a·​mel ˈkär-məl How to pronounce caramel (audio) ˈker-ə-məl How to pronounce caramel (audio)
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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Launched in 2000, the sweet treat surrounds apple pieces and a creamy caramel filling with a golden-brown crispy exterior. Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 24 Oct. 2024 Desserts such as the deceptively simple sounding cookies and milk (the milk is ice cream), an ice cream sundae with peanut butter and chocolate tart with salted caramel are, not surprisingly, delectable given his background as a pastry chef. Laurie Werner, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024 The only constant on Palma’s ever-changing tasting menu is this brioche bun served with coconut caramel butter. The Bon Appétit Staff & Contributors, Bon Appétit, 21 Oct. 2024 Chicago Mix blends cheese, caramel, and butter corn, while Garrett's features caramel and cheese. Monica Eng, Axios, 18 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for caramel 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of caramel was in 1702

Dictionary Entries Near caramel

Cite this Entry

“Caramel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caramel. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

caramel

noun
car·​a·​mel ˈkär-məl How to pronounce caramel (audio) ˈkar-ə-məl How to pronounce caramel (audio)
-ˌmel
1
: burnt sugar used for coloring and flavoring
2
: a firm chewy candy

Medical Definition

caramel

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

More from Merriam-Webster on caramel

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