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

Launched in 2000, the sweet treat surrounds apple pieces and a creamy caramel filling with a golden-brown crispy exterior. —Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 24 Oct. 2024

Desserts such as the deceptively simple sounding cookies and milk (the milk is ice cream), an ice cream sundae with peanut butter and chocolate tart with salted caramel are, not surprisingly, delectable given his background as a pastry chef. —Laurie Werner, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024

The only constant on Palma’s ever-changing tasting menu is this brioche bun served with coconut caramel butter. —The Bon Appétit Staff & Contributors, Bon Appétit, 21 Oct. 2024

Chicago Mix blends cheese, caramel, and butter corn, while Garrett's features caramel and cheese. —Monica Eng, Axios, 18 Oct. 2024

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