candy

¹

[ kan-dee ]

noun

, plural can·dies.

1. any of a variety of confections made with sugar, syrup, etc., often combined with chocolate, fruit, nuts, etc.
2. a single piece of such a confection.
3. Slang. cocaine.
4. someone or something that is pleasing or pleasurable, usually in a superficial way (often used in combination): arm candy, ear candy, eye candy.

   The show is candy, but enjoy it for what it is.

verb (used with object)

, can·died, can·dy·ing.

1. to cook in sugar or syrup, as sweet potatoes or carrots.
2. to cook in heavy syrup until transparent, as fruit, fruit peel, or ginger.
3. to reduce (sugar, syrup, etc.) to a crystalline form, usually by boiling down.
4. to coat with sugar:

   to candy dates.

5. to make sweet, palatable, or agreeable.

verb (used without object)

, can·died, can·dy·ing.

1. to become covered with sugar.
2. to crystallize into sugar.

Candy

²

[ kan-dee ]

noun

1. a female given name.

candy

/ ˈkændɪ /

noun

1. confectionery in general; sweets, chocolate, etc
2. a person or thing that is regarded as being attractive but superficial

   arm candy

3. like taking candy from a baby informal.
   very easy to accomplish

verb

1. to cause (sugar, etc) to become crystalline, esp by boiling or (of sugar) to become crystalline through boiling
2. to preserve (fruit peel, ginger, etc) by boiling in sugar
3. to cover with any crystalline substance, such as ice or sugar

Other Words From

• candy·like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of candy¹

1225–75; Middle English candi, sugre candi candied sugar < Middle French sucre candi; candi ≪ Arabic qandī < Persian qandi sugar < Sanskrit khaṇḍakaḥ sugar candy

Word History and Origins

Origin of candy¹

C18: from Old French sucre candi candied sugar, from Arabic qandi candied, from qand cane sugar, of Dravidian origin

Example Sentences

“But they aren’t rushing after class to grab their phones like candy.”

From Los Angeles Times

And, of course, there’s also no harm in indulging in a small piece of chocolate or candy a day as sunlight dwindles and the Christmas holiday approaches.

From Los Angeles Times

They might paint an elephant tusk black, or try to make pangolin scales look like candy or chocolate.

From NewsForKids.net

That’s when you hear the offending “non-offensive” conversation starters pour out of your mouth like it’s a faulty vending machine dispensing candy corn, and everyone hates that stuff.

From Los Angeles Times

I felt like a kid in a candy store.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• sweet