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

Each boasts a genuine creaking floor, the kid- favorite candy barrels with retro sweets such as caramel bull’s-eyes, kitchen items like cast-iron skillets, and an extensive line of delicious foods including apple butter and peach salsa. —Carolanne Griffith Roberts, Southern Living, 22 May 2024

Salted caramel pistachio cake under a layer of matcha ganache. —Darlene Superville, The Christian Science Monitor, 22 May 2024

Try this bourbon for yourself and note the ripe berry, brown sugar, and caramel notes that grace every sip. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 15 May 2024

If desired, for easier slicing, freeze caramel for 10 minutes or until just firm. —Bhg Test Kitchen, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 May 2024

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