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

The caramelization process can take about an hour on the stovetop, with constant stirring to prevent sticking or burning. — Alexandra Frost, USA Today, 17 July 2026

Sprinkle with one additional tablespoon of brown sugar for more even caramelization and molasses flavor. — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 15 July 2026

Finished over live heat for caramelization, the ribs develop a sticky, smoky crust without requiring a smoker. — Staff, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026

The Brûlée French toast, intended as their take on crème brûlée, had their signature topping flavors of cinnamon, vanilla and caramel, yet lacked any defining crackling caramelization. — Louisa Kung Liu Chu, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 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