candy

1 of 2

noun

can·​dy ˈkan-dē 

plural candies

1

: crystallized sugar formed by boiling down sugar syrup

2

a

: a confection made with sugar and often flavoring and filling

b

: a piece of such confection

3

: something that is pleasant or appealing in a light or frivolous way

visual candy

candy adjective

candy

2 of 2

verb

candied; candying

transitive verb

1

: to encrust in or coat with sugar

specifically : to cook (something, such as fruit or fruit peel) in a heavy syrup until glazed

2

: to make attractive : sweeten

candying up the duke's reputation

3

: to crystallize into sugar

intransitive verb

: to become coated or encrusted with sugar crystals : become crystallized into sugar

Synonyms

Verb

• dress up
• enhance
• sweeten

Examples of candy in a Sentence

Noun

The cough syrup tastes like candy.

Verb

the publisher hopes the flashy cover will candy up the novel for impulse buyers

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Since this is The Masked Singer, Lachey is joined by backup dancers dressed as faceless peppermint candies and nightmare-inducing yetis during the performance, which is set against fake falling snow and a beautiful festive backdrop. —Lauren Huff, EW.com, 16 Dec. 2024

The flavors included chocolate cherry nougat, malt candy, and banana bread. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024

Verb

The whiskey is rich and fruity on the nose, featuring warm banana bread, candied nuts, vanilla, caramel, hints of cola nut, and a slight savory note. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024

Top with dressing, cherry tomatoes, candied pecans, and reserved bacon. —Liv Dansky, Southern Living, 15 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English sugre candy, partial translation of Middle French sucre candi, from Old French sucre sugar + Arabic qandī candied, from qand crystallized sugar

First Known Use

Noun

1587, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

circa 1537, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing candy

• arm candy
• candy apple
• candy cane
• candy coat
• candy-coated
• candy floss
• candy-striped
• candy striper
• cotton candy
• ear candy
• eye candy
• hard candy
• penny candy
• rock candy

Kids Definition

candy

1 of 2 noun

can·​dy ˈkan-dē 

plural candies

: a sweet made of sugar often with flavoring and filling

candy

2 of 2 verb

candied; candying

: to coat or become coated with sugar

especially : to cook (fruit or fruit peel) in sugar syrup