syrup

American  

[sur-uhp, sir-] / ˈsɜr əp, ˈsɪr- /

Or sirup

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.

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verb (used with object)

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

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

syrup British  

/ 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

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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

Etymology

Origin of syrup

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

Explanation

Syrup is the thick, sweet liquid you pour on your blueberry pancakes. Maple syrup is just one of many deliciously sticky types of syrup. Syrup is a sweetener that dissolves in liquid more quickly and easily than sugar, so it's often used in beverages. Corn syrup sweetens many sodas, and you might pour a simple syrup (which is made by melting sugar in hot water and cooling it) into your iced tea. The Old French source is sirop, "sugary drink," from the Arabic sharab, "beverage."

Example Sentences

He grew potatoes, kept bees, made maple syrup and taught school three months each year.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

I always get the Andante, a cold brew with maple syrup, salted sweet cream foam, cacao powder and pink salt.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

The finished product is indulgent and addictive, flavoring the humble chia seed with freshly brewed Thai tea, maple syrup and vanilla extract, alongside a dollop of homemade coconut whipped cream.

From Salon • Mar. 31, 2026

You can add syrup drizzles on top, you can add soft-top cold foam.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 1, 2026

Laura and Mary each had a pan, and Pa and Ma showed them how to pour the dark syrup in little streams onto the snow.

From "Little House in the Big Woods" by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Related Words

• maple syrup
• molasses