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 mocha was cloying, the caramel not salty enough, and both had an all-too-present tinge of monk fruit. —Adam Campbell-Schmitt, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Oct. 2025

Drizzle with bourbon-apple cider caramel (see below) and a small sprinkle of Bourbon Barrel smoked sea salt. —Kathryn Gregory, Louisville Courier Journal, 21 Oct. 2025

All three whiskeys are quite good, with variances in flavor ranging from rich caramel notes in Mushroom, to a bright citrus tone that defines Beaver, and a oaky maple undercurrent in Owl. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 13 Oct. 2025

For those who prefer a lighter touch of caramel, these clusters are well-balanced. —Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 9 Oct. 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