caramelize
verb
car·a·mel·ize
ˈkär-mə-ˌlīz 
ˈker-ə-mə-,
ˈka-rə-mə-
caramelized; caramelizing
1
transitive
: to subject (sugar or the sugar content of a food) to caramelization : to change into caramel (see caramel sense 1) by heating at high temperature
… flan bathed in caramelized sugar and topped with whipped cream …—
Penelope Casas
Penelope CasasAt a restaurant, some unlucky prep cook gets to peel, slice, and caramelize bags of onions in the morning.—Stephanie Alleyne
Stephanie Alleyne2
intransitive
: to change to caramel
Fructose begins to rapidly caramelize at around 200 degrees …—Matthew Card
: to undergo caramelization
Matthew CardThese sweet potatoes caramelize slightly in the oven, which gives them a sweet crunch as their flesh remains creamy.—Lesley Porcelli
Lesley PorcelliExamples of caramelize in a Sentence
The onions will take five minutes to caramelize.
Caramelize two cups of sugar.
Continue stirring until the sugar caramelizes.
Recent Examples on the Web
These slow-cooker ribs have a crispy, caramelized outside and a tender inside, making for the perfect meal no matter the season.
—Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 4 Apr. 2026
Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, until tender and lightly caramelized.
—Kelly McCarthy, ABC News, 3 Apr. 2026
The warmth of the vanilla transforms the peach into something almost caramelized and deeply gourmand, giving the whole composition a richness that takes it to an entirely different level.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 3 Apr. 2026
The yogurt marinade tenderizes the chicken and caramelizes the skin.
—Trisha Pasricha, CNBC, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for caramelize
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Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 4 Apr. 2026
Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, until tender and lightly caramelized.
—Kelly McCarthy, ABC News, 3 Apr. 2026
The warmth of the vanilla transforms the peach into something almost caramelized and deeply gourmand, giving the whole composition a richness that takes it to an entirely different level.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 3 Apr. 2026
The yogurt marinade tenderizes the chicken and caramelizes the skin.
—Trisha Pasricha, CNBC, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for caramelize
Cite this Entry
“Caramelize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caramelize. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
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