candy

1 of 2

noun

can·​dy ˈkan-dē How to pronounce candy (audio)
plural candies
1
: crystallized sugar formed by boiling down sugar syrup
2
a
: a confection made with sugar and often flavoring and filling
b
: a piece of such confection
3
: something that is pleasant or appealing in a light or frivolous way
visual candy
candy adjective

candy

2 of 2

verb

candied; candying

transitive verb

1
: to encrust in or coat with sugar
specifically : to cook (something, such as fruit or fruit peel) in a heavy syrup until glazed
2
: to make attractive : sweeten
candying up the duke's reputation
3
: to crystallize into sugar

intransitive verb

: to become coated or encrusted with sugar crystals : become crystallized into sugar

Examples of candy in a Sentence

Noun The cough syrup tastes like candy. Verb the publisher hopes the flashy cover will candy up the novel for impulse buyers
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.
Noun
Martini Candy Cube Bundle Gift your friend with a sweet tooth these truly special and adorable candies. Malia Griggs, SELF, 21 Nov. 2024 Traditionally consisting of candies or little tchotchkes, gift recipients had the opportunity to be surprised with a small treat each separate day. Dahvi Shira, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
Verb
Give the gift of a candle shaped like a cronut or one that smells like all their favorite festive winter treats rolled into one, with notes of gingerbread, cinnamon, candied orange peel, and vanilla. Alaina Chou, Bon Appétit, 21 Nov. 2024 Ruby colored in the glass, this delightful wine has aromas of cranberry, cherry, and pomegranate that pave the way for silky tannins wrapped around flavors of cherry, candied orange peel, and brown baking spices. Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 21 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for candy 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English sugre candy, partial translation of Middle French sucre candi, from Old French sucre sugar + Arabic qandī candied, from qand crystallized sugar

First Known Use

Noun

1587, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

circa 1537, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of candy was circa 1537

Dictionary Entries Near candy

Cite this Entry

“Candy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/candy. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

candy

1 of 2 noun
can·​dy ˈkan-dē How to pronounce candy (audio)
plural candies
: a sweet made of sugar often with flavoring and filling

candy

2 of 2 verb
candied; candying
: to coat or become coated with sugar
especially : to cook (fruit or fruit peel) in sugar syrup

More from Merriam-Webster on candy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!