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

The butter is nutty with notes of caramel, while the sage is earthy, savory and woodsy, with a touch of freshness that some liken to citrus, eucalyptus or mint. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026

For blush, terracotta, warm berry, or deep caramel are the best shades for Black women, while gold or bronze highlighter (not silver) will enhance the makeup’s warmth. —Essence, 6 Jan. 2026

Several weeks ago, the department set up a trap: a large metal cage sprayed with cherry and caramel scents. —Carter Evans, CBS News, 31 Dec. 2025

D'Agostino adds that any chocolates that have fillings, like ganache or caramels, and inclusions, such as nuts or fruit, have a much shorter shelf life than solid chocolate. —Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 27 Dec. 2025

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