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

In March, with Easter around the corner, trending purchases included a crock pot for hosting as well as candy like gummy clusters and ring lollipops. —Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 21 June 2025

Though really, adjacent seems to better describe Karl, scion of a wealthy Cincinnati family that built its fortune on candy. —John Birdsall june 20, Literary Hub, 20 June 2025

Verb

San Diego Padres Banana Bread Pudding Topped with glazed banana slices, candied nuts and wafer cookies, this treat is already a fan favorite. —Andrea Lavinthal, People.com, 18 June 2025

According to the brand, the Blanco tequila features notes of ripe pear, citrus zest and a crisp agave finish, while the Reposado offers flavors of cinnamon, vanilla and candied orange peel with a warm caramel finish. —Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 17 June 2025

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

Rhymes for candy

• bandy
• brandy
• dandy
• grandee
• randy
• shandy

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