marshmallow

noun

marsh·​mal·​low ˈmärsh-ˌme-lō How to pronounce marshmallow (audio)
-ˌma-
1
usually marsh mallow : a pink-flowered European perennial herb (Althaea officinalis) of the mallow family that is naturalized in the eastern U.S. and has flowers, leaves, and roots used in herbal remedies
2
: a sweet white confection usually in the form of a spread or small spongy cylindrical pieces now usually made from corn syrup, sugar, albumen, and gelatin but formerly from the marshmallow's root
also : one of these spongy pieces
toasted marshmallows on sticks over a campfire
marshmallowy adjective

Examples of marshmallow in a Sentence

We toasted marshmallows over the fire.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Or send some sweet treats from afar with a box of nostalgic crispy marshmallow bars in eight different flavors. Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Parents, 4 Nov. 2024 As luxurious as the spiced airy foam, the marshmallow aesthetic is all about plush charm and comfort. Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Nov. 2024 Sandwiched in between, Terry’s daughter wore a white tutu and white top for a marshmallow effect. Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 30 Oct. 2024 The long drought of marshmallow rice confections is finally over. Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 29 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for marshmallow 

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of marshmallow was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near marshmallow

Cite this Entry

“Marshmallow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/marshmallow. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

marshmallow

noun
marsh·​mal·​low ˈmärsh-ˌmel-ō How to pronounce marshmallow (audio)
-ˌmal-
1
: a pink-flowered herb related to the mallows that has a root sometimes used in sweets and in medicine
2
: a soft spongy sweet formerly made from the root of the marshmallow but now usually prepared from corn syrup, sugar, albumen, and gelatin

Medical Definition

marshmallow

noun
: a European perennial herb of the genus Althaea (A. officinalis) naturalized in the eastern United States whose pink flowers, velvety leaves, and mucilaginous root are used in herbal medicine and whose root was formerly used in confectionary see althaea sense 2

More from Merriam-Webster on marshmallow

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