blackstrap molasses

noun

: a thick dark molasses obtained from successive processing of raw sugar

Examples of blackstrap molasses in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Both regular molasses and blackstrap molasses are produced during the process of making sugar, but blackstrap molasses goes through a third stage of boiling. Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 26 Dec. 2024 Plank Road Distillery's rum that made the list is distilled from sugar in the raw and blackstrap molasses. Jordyn Noennig, Journal Sentinel, 23 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

blackstrap "drink consisting of mixed rum and molasses," from black entry 1 + strap entry 1

Note: The relevant sense of strap is unclear, and another word may be in play. The Oxford English Dictionary, third edition, suggests that it may be seventeenth-century Dutch stroop "syrup, treacle," apparently a variant of siroop "syrup."

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of blackstrap molasses was in 1880

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Blackstrap molasses.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blackstrap%20molasses. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on blackstrap molasses

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!