syrup

Or sir·up

[sur-uhp, sir-]

noun

1. any of various thick, sweet liquids prepared for table use from molasses, glucose, etc., water, and often a flavoring agent.

2. any of various preparations consisting of fruit juices, water, etc., boiled with sugar.

   raspberry syrup.

3. Pharmacology.,  a concentrated sugar solution that contains medication or flavoring.

4. simple syrup.

verb (used with object)

1. to bring to the form or consistency of syrup.

2. to cover, fill, or sweeten with syrup.

syrup

/ ˈsɪrəp /

noun

1. a solution of sugar dissolved in water and often flavoured with fruit juice: used for sweetening fruit, etc

2. any of various thick sweet liquids prepared for cooking or table use from molasses, sugars, etc

3. a liquid medicine containing a sugar solution for flavouring or preservation

4. informal,  cloying sentimentality

5. slang,  a wig

verb

1. to bring to the consistency of syrup

2. to cover, fill, or sweeten with syrup

Other Word Forms

• syrup-like adjective
• syruplike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of syrup¹

1350–1400; < Medieval Latin syrupus < Arabic sharāb a drink; replacing Middle English sirop < Middle French < Medieval Latin, as above

Word History and Origins

Origin of syrup¹

C15: from Medieval Latin syrupus, from Arabic sharāb a drink, from shariba to drink: sense 4 from rhyming slang syrup of fig

Example Sentences

It will be the syrup on top of a career already dripping with greatness.

From BBC

A cake decorated to look like a stack of pancakes dripping with maple syrup rested on a nearby folding table.

From Los Angeles Times

Established in 1993, the bar debuted a lychee syrup–flavored vodka martini, which, according to Decibel owner Bon Yagi, was already being served at the bar’s Tokyo location owned by his brother.

From Salon

The cooked toast is garnished with fresh fruit, butter, powdered sugar and maple syrup.

From Salon

Alongside standard coffees, Costa serves a variety of frappé and fruit coolers, but these contain syrups and can be topped with whipped cream which may not appeal to the clean-living green-juice sippers among us.

From BBC

Related Words

• maple syrup 
• molasses