marshmallow

noun

marsh·​mal·​low ˈmärsh-ˌme-lō 

-ˌma-

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

ˈmärsh-ˌme-lə-wē 

-ˌma-

adjective

Examples of marshmallow in a Sentence

We toasted marshmallows over the fire.

Recent Examples on the Web

It's packed with argan oil for hydration, turmeric extract for environmental defense, and licorice and marshmallow root for radiance. —Kathleen Suico, Allure, 13 Apr. 2024

While roasting marshmallows around the fire pit, Zach told wife Tori that Jackson recently asked him why his friend couldn't play Triple-A baseball. —Jordan Greene, Peoplemag, 3 Apr. 2024

Since then, people of all ages, from countries around the world, have created heartwarming, and occasionally terrifying, marshmallow creations. —Dave Jorgenson, Washington Post, 28 Mar. 2024

Rice Krispies Peeps This flavor is new this year and in collaboration with the company known for their own marshmallow treats, these Rice Krispies Treats Peeps are perfect for the marshmallow lover in your life. —Katie Wiseman, The Indianapolis Star, 21 Mar. 2024

At the annual marshmallow drop, children are grouped into three age categories — 4 and younger, 5-7 years old, and 8 and older — and allowed to collect marshmallows in exchange for prizes. —Detroit Free Press, 29 Mar. 2024

Just ahead of the Easter holiday, Matthew Rivera took his college sweetheart Carly Jessup on a trip to the Philadelphia area to stay in the popular marshmallow candy brand's exclusive Sweet Suite at the Home2 Suites by Hilton hotel in Easton, Pa., according to a Peeps press release. —Erin Clack, Peoplemag, 27 Mar. 2024

Snap & Crackle Marshmallow is Malek’s rendition of marshmallow brown butter treats mixed and toasted into a florentine cookie. —Jennifer Tanaka, Orange County Register, 25 Mar. 2024

One by one, the children took turns slinging jumbo marshmallows at the poster, aiming to strike the giant in his forehead just as David did in the Bible passage. —Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC News, 25 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

marshmallow

noun

marsh·​mal·​low ˈmärsh-ˌmel-ō 

-ˌmal-

1

: a pink-flowered herb related to the mallows that has a root sometimes used in sweets and in medicine

2

: a soft spongy sweet formerly made from the root of the marshmallow but now usually prepared from corn syrup, sugar, albumen, and gelatin

Medical Definition

marshmallow

noun

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

: 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 sense 2