marshmallow

noun marsh·mal·low \ ˈmärsh-ˌme-lō , -ˌma- \

Definition of marshmallow

1 usually marsh mallow :a pink-flowered European perennial herb (Althaea officinalis) of the mallow family that is naturalized in the eastern U.S. and has flowers, leaves, and roots used in herbal remedies

2 :a sweet white confection usually in the form of a spread or small spongy cylindrical pieces now usually made from corn syrup, sugar, albumen, and gelatin but formerly from the marshmallow's root; also :one of these spongy pieces

toasted marshmallows on sticks over a campfire

—

marshmallowy

play \-ˌme-lə-wē, -ˌma-\ adjective

See marshmallow defined for English-language learners

See marshmallow defined for kids

Examples of marshmallow in a Sentence

We toasted marshmallows over the fire.

Recent Examples of marshmallow from the Web

Cookies and Cream (the ice cream shop nestled within Tartine Manufactory's 5,000-square-foot, multi-purpose space) serves up a rotating menu of pies, including matcha and marshmallow, lemon and ginger, and rocky road.

— christine muhlke, Bon Appetit, "This Ice Cream Pie Is the Best Dessert We've Eaten All Year," 16 Aug. 2017
Add one-half cup marshmallows, one-half cup toffee and the cubed baguette, mixing until bread soaks up most of the liquid and becomes sticky.

— nancy miller, The Courier-Journal, "Cheers to 10 years! Varanese has more than just staying power," 15 Aug. 2017
Bake until the marshmallows are browned, 25 to 28 minutes.

— karen elizabeth watts, charlotteobserver, "What to serve at your solar eclipse party: Give guests the sun, the moon, the stars," 15 Aug. 2017
But nobody can stomach her bizarre concoctions (marshmallow deviled eggs, anyone?).

— misha berson, The Seattle Times, "‘American Archipelago’ paints with too broad a brush," 3 Aug. 2017
Pre-Eclipse Glamping-theme Party: Wine tasting, wine pairing with camping food, marshmallow roasting, music.

— idahostatesman, "Plan now for Modest Mouse concert, other Treasure Valley events," 26 July 2017
However, as one user helpfully pointed out, skewered hot dogs with marshmallows are a traditional Filipino dish.

— andrea park, Allure, "Internet Reacts to Ivanka Trump's Hot Dogs and Marshmallows Snack," 18 July 2017
For a more boutique stay, check into Haven, a veritable Instagram heaven in the form of a motel right at the harbor that offers complementary poolside drinks and a decked out fire pit area for late night marshmallow roasts.

— natasha huang smith, Harper's BAZAAR, "Your 2017 Hamptons Summer Guide," 14 July 2017
On chilly summer nights, everybody gathers around the fire to catch up, toast marshmallows and stargaze.

— douglas brenner, House Beautiful, "This Quirky Adirondacks Lake House Is the Opposite of "Roughing It"," 13 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'marshmallow.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of marshmallow

before 12th century

MARSHMALLOW Defined for English Language Learners

marshmallow

noun

Definition of marshmallow for English Language Learners

: a soft, white, sweet food made of sugar and eggs

MARSHMALLOW Defined for Kids

marshmallow

noun marsh·mal·low \ ˈmärsh-ˌme-lō , -ˌma- \

Definition of marshmallow for Students

:a soft spongy sweet food made from corn syrup, sugar, and gelatin

Medical Dictionary

marshmallow

noun marsh·mal·low \ ˈmärsh-ˌmel-ō, -ˌmel-ə(-w), -ˌmal- \

medical Definition of marshmallow

:a European perennial herb of the genus Althaea (A. officinalis) naturalized in the eastern United States whose pink flowers, velvety leaves, and mucilaginous root are used in herbal medicine and whose root was formerly used in confectionary — see althaea 2