CARAMEL Definition & Meaning

View synonyms for

caramel

[ kar-uh-muhl, -mel, kahr-muhl ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a liquid made by cooking sugar until it changes color, used for coloring and flavoring food.
a kind of chewy candy, commonly in small blocks, made from sugar, butter, milk, etc.
a yellowish brown or tan color.

caramel

/ ˈkærəməl; -ˌmɛl /

noun

burnt sugar, used for colouring and flavouring food
a chewy sweet made from sugar, butter, milk, etc

Discover More

�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of caramel¹

First recorded in 1715–25; from French, from Spanish or Portuguese caramelo, from Late Latin calamellus “little reed” (by dissimilation), equivalent to calam(us) reed ( calamus ) + -ellus diminutive suffix; meaning changed by association with Medieval Latin cannamella, canna mellis, etc., “sugarcane,” equivalent to Latin canna cane + mel “honey” (genitive mellis )

Discover More

�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of caramel¹

C18: from French, from Spanish caramelo, of uncertain origin

Discover More

Compare Meanings

How does caramel compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Anything above that and your syrup runs the risk of quickly turning into caramel.

From

Taste-wise, it is to summer produce what caramel is to sugar, where time and heat condense its essence into a tart, molasses-like chew.

From

I still make salted caramel brownies the way I learned from you way back when.

From

Is caramel popcorn just like any other popcorn?

From

My favorite bonbon was the chocolate filled with coffee caramel and saffron-infused date jelly — but there wasn't a single bonbon that didn't surprise and delight.

From

Related �y��vlogs

Discover More

More About Caramel

What is caramel?

Caramel is a liquid made by heating sugar until it changes to a brownish color. Caramel is used for coloring or flavoring food.

Caramel is often used as a flavoring or sauce for a variety of foods, especially desserts, such as caramel ice cream and caramel-coated popcorn.

The word caramel can also refer to a chewy candy made from the heated sugar, milk, butter, and other ingredients. It’s often shaped into cubes and is sometimes covered in chocolate, which you might find in a box of Valentine’s Day chocolates.

Finally, caramel can refer to a tan or yellowish-brown color that resembles the color of the sugary liquid, as in The cat had a caramel-colored tail.

Example: My favorite candy is a chocolate bar filled with caramel.

Where does caramel come from?

The first records of the word caramel come from around 1715. It ultimately comes from the Late Latin calamellus, meaning “little reed.” This word is related to cannamella, the Latin word for sugarcane. The liquid caramel comes from heated sugar.

Caramel is used to give a sweet flavor to many different foods. It is likely to be used in dessert items, such as ice cream, chocolate, cake, and pie. Caramel is a nice treat. Because it is made of sugar, though, eating too much caramel has the same health risks as eating too much sugar.

Did you know … ?

What are some other forms related to caramel?

caramels (plural noun)
caramelize (verb)

What are some words that share a root or word element with caramel?��

caramelize
caramelization

What are some words that often get used in discussing caramel?

How is caramel used in real life?

Caramel is a very common ingredient used in many people’s favorite sweets and desserts.

this album giving me christmas & chill vibes with some milk and honey and silky smooth vocals like caramel on a mcflurry 10/10

— issa (@twaimz)

I love caramel iced lattes ☺️

— R|B (@RonicaB_)

Just had a slice of a caramel apple and feel reborn.

— Vicky Nguyen (@VickyNguyenTV)

Try using caramel!

True or False?

Caramel is made from heating honey until it changes color.

Browse