caramelization

noun

car·​a·​mel·​i·​za·​tion ˌkär-mə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

ˌker-ə-mə-, 

ˌka-rə-mə-

: the process of heating sugar (such as granulated white sugar or the sugar contained in a food) at high temperature so that water is removed and the sugar is broken down (as into glucose and fructose) and then reformed into complex polymers producing a sweet, nutty, or buttery flavor and golden-brown to dark brown color : the nonenzymatic process of changing sugar or the sugar content of a food into caramel (see caramel sense 1)

An intense caramelization of the carrots concentrates their flavor and brings up their sweetness until they're almost like candy-but the roasted garlic and thyme keep the dish on the savory side.

—April Bloomfield

Examples of caramelization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Deep caramelization comes from direct contact with the metal, and liners can get in the way. —Maria Helm Sinskey, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Mar. 2026

Spread the squash slices in a single layer over the prepared baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes, until the slices are just tender but not falling apart and have some good caramelization on the edges. —Karla Walsh, CNN Money, 8 Mar. 2026

Roast at the right temperature High heat is essential for the best caramelization. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 21 Feb. 2026

Plus, the extra sweetness from the caramelization (sugars released from the veggies), cuts the tanginess of the tomatoes. —Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 20 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for caramelization

• acclimatisation
• acclimatization
• acidification
• actualization
• annualization
• autocorrelation
• autoregulation
• beatification
• beneficiation
• biodegradation
• biotransformation
• bureaucratization