candy

1 of 2

noun

can·​dy ˈkan-dē 

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

Synonyms of candy

Verb

• sweeten
• spruce
• improve
• enhance

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

Noun

The eight-year reimagining of the cotton-candy-pink Palazzo Donà Giovannelli, built in the 1400s, was overseen by Aline Asmar d’Amman. — Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 11 Oct. 2026

Americans are expected to spend more than $13 billion dollars on celebrating this season, whether that's on horror films, costumes, candy or attractions, according to the National Retail Federation. — Ayesha Rascoe, NPR, 11 Oct. 2026

Verb

The edges caramelized and got nice and crispy—almost candied—while the centers stayed pleasantly soft. — Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Sep. 2026

Brushed with seasoned butter and topped with bacon ranch, green onion, and candied jalapeños. — Bianca Harris, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026

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

Phrases Containing candy

• arm candy
• candy apple
• candy cane
• candy coat
• candy-coated
• candy floss
• candy-striped
• candy striper
• cotton candy
• ear candy
• eye candy
• hard candy
• penny candy
• rock candy

Rhymes for candy

• bandy
• brandy
• dandy
• grandee
• randy
• shandy

Kids Definition

candy

1 of 2 noun

can·​dy ˈkan-dē 

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