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

The combination of banana, pecan, and caramel also feels tailor-made for fall. —Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Sep. 2025

From the caramel and spice of Guanajuato to the citrus and red fruit of Michoacán, each region contributes distinct notes. —Gina Pace, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025

It was aged for five years in first-fill bourbon barrels and bottled at 59.3 percent ABV, and has notes of intense peat smoke (of course), along with salted caramel, melon, apricot, chocolate, and coconut on the palate. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 2 Sep. 2025

Caramel Apple Empanada—Crispy crust filled with warm apple and creamy caramel. —Ben Kelly, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025

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