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

High heat draws out moisture and intensifies watermelon’s sweetness, and the rub creates additional caramelization for even deeper flavor notes. — Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 17 Sep. 2026

Grilling imparts a smoky flavor, while roasting enhances foods’ natural sweetness through caramelization and creates a crisp texture. — Laura Payne, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Sep. 2026

Sure, steaming is quick and easy, but roasting transforms vegetables in a way that steaming just can’t, bringing out their natural sweetness, building caramelization, and adding real depth of flavor and texture. — Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 9 Sep. 2026

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

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