crème brûlée

noun

crème brû·​lée -brᵫ-ˈlā How to pronounce crème brûlée (audio)
-brü-
: a rich custard topped with caramelized sugar

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, scorched cream

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of crème brûlée was in 1886

Browse Nearby Words

crème anglaise
crème brûlée
crème caramel
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Crème brûlée.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cr%C3%A8me%20br%C3%BBl%C3%A9e. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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