syrup

noun syr·up \ ˈsər-əp , ˈsir-əp , ˈsə-rəp \

variants: or less commonly sirup

|Updated on: 6 Jun 2018

Examples: syrup in a Sentence

Definition of syrup

1 a : a thick sticky solution of sugar and water often flavored or medicated

b : the concentrated juice of a fruit or plant

2 : cloying sweetness or sentimentality

—

syrupy

play \ˈsər-ə-pē, ˈsir-ə-, ˈsə-rə-\ adjective

See syrup defined for English-language learners

See syrup defined for kids

Examples of syrup in a Sentence

ice cream and chocolate syrup
She poured syrup all over her pancakes.

Recent Examples of syrup from the Web

Consider the syrup, which the average organic grocer sells for anywhere from $0.75 to $1.25 an ounce.

— michael easter, Outside Online, "Costco Is a Performance Athlete's Dream," 31 May 2018
Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a medium heatproof bowl; discard the ginger.

— San Antonio Express-News, "Recipe: Stone Fruit with Ginger-Lime Syrup & Fresh Mint," 30 May 2018
The syrup soaks into the cake, making it moist and citrusy.

— jean kressy, BostonGlobe.com, "Recipe: The British name for this glazed lemon loaf, brushed with syrup, is ‘drizzle cake’," 21 May 2018
Note: For the simple syrup, simmer a 1-to-1 ratio of water and sugar in a small saucepan until the sugar dissolves.

— lisa futterman, chicagotribune.com, "Stir, shake, swizzle like the pros to create cocktails at home. There's a class for that," 17 May 2018
After poaching the rhubarb, the sugar syrup is boiled down into a glaze to be brushed over the cake, adding shine and moisture.

— melissa clark, New York Times, "Rhubarb Shows Off Its Stripes," 11 May 2018
But in a country still struggling to provide basic health care to many of its citizens, treating widespread addiction — regardless of whether the syrup itself is legal anymore — is one of many particular challenges.

— siobhán o'grady, Washington Post, "Nigeria bans codeine cough syrup to stop an addiction epidemic. But something worse could take its place.," 4 May 2018
Elderflower cordial is a sweet combination of sugar, lemon juice and the flowers from elderberries, and the yellow-colored syrup is often mixed with sparkling water or wine to create a refreshing beverage.

— ana calderone, PEOPLE.com, "This Elderflower Lemonade Cocktail Mimics the Flavors of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Royal Wedding Cake," 20 Mar. 2018
Violet Hour Gimlet 2 ounces London dry gin ¾ ounce simple syrup¾ ounce fresh lime juice Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice, and shake vigorously.

— lisa futterman, chicagotribune.com, "Stir, shake, swizzle like the pros to create cocktails at home. There's a class for that," 17 May 2018

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

Origin and Etymology of syrup

Middle English sirup, from Anglo-French sirop, from Medieval Latin syrupus, from Arabic sharāb

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

Other Food Terms

Reuben, calamari, chuck, curry, edamame, foie gras, hummus, leaven, nonpareil, peel

SYRUP Defined for English Language Learners

syrup

noun

Definition of syrup for English Language Learners

: a sweet, thick liquid made of sugar and water with flavoring or medicine added to it
: a sweet, thick liquid made from the juice of a fruit or plant

SYRUP Defined for Kids

syrup

noun syr·up \ ˈsər-əp , ˈsir- \

Definition of syrup for Students

1 : a thick sticky solution of sugar and water often containing flavoring or a medicine

chocolate syrup

cough syrup

2 : the juice of a fruit or plant with some of the water removed

maple syrup

Medical Dictionary

syrup

noun syr·up

variants: also sirup play \ˈsər-əp, ˈsir-əp\

medical Definition of syrup

: a thick sticky liquid consisting of a concentrated solution of sugar and water with or without the addition of a flavoring agent or medicinal substance