Dulce

American  

[duhl-see] / ˈdʌl si /

Or Dulcie

noun

1. a female given name: from the Latin word meaning “sweet.”

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Usage

What does dulce mean? Dulce is Spanish for “sweet.” It most commonly shows up in English in foods whose names come from Spanish, like dulce de leche and pan dulce. In Spanish, dulce literally means “sweet,” but it’s commonly used to refer to sugary treats—much like how we use the word sweets in English. The related English word dolce (which is taken from Italian instead of Spanish) means sweet or soft. Dulce is also used as a female name, especially in places where Spanish is spoken. Example: Although dulce de leche and caramel look and taste a lot alike, caramel is made from sugar, while dulce de leche is made from sweetened milk.

Example Sentences

City officials say nearly 20 tons of trash -- from plastic and glass bottles to food waste -- is collected every week at Agua Dulce.

From Barron's • Feb. 14, 2026

At women’s clothing store Isabella Blush, located a block away from where the operation took place, Dulce Ramirez said she was inside the store when she first heard screaming.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 17, 2026

Dulce Valencia, the mother of a kindergartner at San Fernando Elementary School, said her son has been out sick twice in just the first few weeks of school.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 22, 2025

Ann McKeown, 66, president of the Acton-Agua Dulce Democratic Club in Los Angeles County’s High Desert, said she had wanted Harris to be the president “so badly,” but Porter is her top choice for governor.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2025

We could have been out with Miriam and Dulce a whole week ago.

From "In the Time of the Butterflies" by Julia Alvarez