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

Leave pork undisturbed in the hot pan for a few minutes to get better caramelization. —Gretchen McKay, Twin Cities, 22 Jan. 2026

In a pinch, bare metal pans can give you that deep caramelization—just grease properly before using to prevent a frustrating cleanup. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 21 Jan. 2026

Leave pork undisturbed in the hot pan for a few minutes to get better caramelization. —Gretchen McKay, Boston Herald, 21 Jan. 2026

The softened apple filling is irresistible, the apples are tender, and the caramelization makes each bite even more delectable. —Austin American Statesman, 15 Jan. 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