syrup

noun

syr·​up ˈsər-əp  ˈsir-əp 

ˈsə-rəp

variants or less commonly sirup

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

ˈsər-ə-pē  ˈsir-ə- 

ˈsə-rə-

adjective

Synonyms of syrup

• sentimentality
• sentimentalism

Examples of syrup in a Sentence

ice cream and chocolate syrup

She poured syrup all over her pancakes.

Recent Examples on the Web

This traditional Mexican dessert is very simple—big chunks of sweet potato are simmered in a sugar syrup with spices, then served warm with a drizzle of cream. —Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 20 Jan. 2026

Our feast ended with a delicious malpua, a pancake-like dish that is deep-fried in ghee before being soaked in sweet, sticky syrup. —The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Jan. 2026

The fruit is often found in syrups, jams, sauces, and wine. —Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 19 Jan. 2026

Some examples of specials Society 57 plans to offer include a toast flight, which will range from classic flavors to those that are more elevated, and a cortado flight, which will showcase the coffee shop’s housemade syrups and layered flavors, Hodge said. —R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 18 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing syrup

• corn syrup
• cough syrup
• golden syrup
• maple syrup
• simple syrup

Rhymes for syrup

• stirrup

Kids Definition

syrup

noun

syr·​up

variants or sirup

ˈsər-əp, 

ˈsir-əp, 

ˈsə-rəp

1

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

2

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

syrupy

-ē

adjective

Medical Definition

syrup

noun

syr·​up

variants also sirup

ˈsər-əp  ˈsir-əp 

: 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

syrup of codeine

syrupy adjective

or sirupy

-ē