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

After that, Cohen began working with artists like New York painter Will Cotton, known for incorporating candy and various sweets into his portraits. —Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 13 Mar. 2025

Tennessee - like Montana, a bill focused on banning candy and soft drink purchases. —Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025

Verb

Black Sesame, Berry, Coconut and Chocolate are the primary flavors along with a line of protein granolas, granola bars, candied nuts, and to-go packs, all sweetened with unrefined sugar, maple syrup and monk fruit. —Andrew Watman, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025

Corn husks can be dried and steamed, cucumber and melon rinds can be pickled or candied, peppery nasturtium leaves can be eaten in salads, and even young sunflower stalks can be eaten like celery if properly prepared. —Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 7 Mar. 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