caramel

noun

car·​a·​mel ˈkär-məl  ˈker-ə-məl 

ˈka-rə-, 

-ˌmel

1

: a usually firm to brittle, golden-brown to dark brown substance that has a sweet, nutty, buttery, or bitter flavor, is obtained by heating sugar at high temperature, and used especially as a coloring and flavoring agent

Caramel is an ingredient in many candies.

2

: a firm, chewy, usually caramel-flavored candy made with sugar, cream, corn syrup, and butter

a bag of caramels

Examples of caramel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Brad’s Drink was a refreshing, sweet mix of sugar, caramel, kola nut, lemon oil, nutmeg, and carbonated water. — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 21 Aug. 2026

Step 3 Whisking constantly, carefully pour warm cream into caramel; remove pan from heat and stir in 6 Tbsp. — Alexia Duchêne, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Aug. 2026

Working quickly, pour caramel into a 9×5-inch loaf pan, but do not scrape bottom of saucepan in case any caramel on the bottom scorched and became bitter. — Emily Paster, Midwest Living, 16 Aug. 2026

Popular varieties, such as Medjool, Deglet Noor, Halawy, and Ajwa dates, offer unique flavors, from caramel-like to nutty. — Christina Manian, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, from Spanish caramelo, from Portuguese, icicle, caramel, from Late Latin calamellus small reed — more at shawm

First Known Use

1702, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing caramel

• crème caramel

Kids Definition

caramel

noun

car·​a·​mel ˈkär-məl  ˈkar-ə-məl 

-ˌmel

1

: burnt sugar used for coloring and flavoring

2

: a firm chewy candy

Medical Definition

caramel

noun

car·​a·​mel ˈkar-ə-məl  -ˌmel; ˈkär-məl 

: an amorphous brittle brown and somewhat bitter substance obtained by heating sugar and used as a coloring and flavoring agent