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
April BloomfieldExamples of caramelization in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
French oak has a greater concentration of hemicellulose than other types of oak, resulting in more sugar molecules for caramelization.
—Gege Reed, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025
Simple and impactful, this pantry marinade made from lemon, honey, tahini and olive oil gives chicken a subtle nutty flavor and imparts a gorgeous color — and caramelization — thanks to the honey’s sugar content.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 July 2025
Cookies baked in a car tend to be softer and less browned than those baked in an oven because the lower temperatures inhibit the full caramelization of sugars, according to weather forecasting service WeatherBug.
— The Houston Chronicle's Mary Wasson contributed to this report.
—Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Other recipes that recommend using yellow or sweet onions or even shallots, or a mixture of onions, call for a lighter, golden-brown caramelization or use white wine or cognac as the alcohol, as well as other seasonings.
—Nicole Sours Larson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for caramelization
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Gege Reed, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025
Simple and impactful, this pantry marinade made from lemon, honey, tahini and olive oil gives chicken a subtle nutty flavor and imparts a gorgeous color — and caramelization — thanks to the honey’s sugar content.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 July 2025
Cookies baked in a car tend to be softer and less browned than those baked in an oven because the lower temperatures inhibit the full caramelization of sugars, according to weather forecasting service WeatherBug.
— The Houston Chronicle's Mary Wasson contributed to this report.
—Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Other recipes that recommend using yellow or sweet onions or even shallots, or a mixture of onions, call for a lighter, golden-brown caramelization or use white wine or cognac as the alcohol, as well as other seasonings.
—Nicole Sours Larson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for caramelization
Cite this Entry
“Caramelization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caramelization. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.
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