noun
candyman
Candyman (noun) means a man who sells candy or sweets, especially from a small shop or stall. Example: “The neighborhood candyman knew every kid by name.”
noun
1
A man who sells candy or sweets, especially from a small shop or stall.
"The neighborhood candyman knew every kid by name."
2
Slang for a male drug dealer.
"He was on the payroll as Marvin Movie Star's candyman, his drug connection."
— Marc Olden, Gaijin (1987)
"This bloke looked just like a candyman with his expensive togs and the glitter of a gold watch in the lights from the car park."
— Elizabeth George, A Traitor to Memory (2002)
"In the song, "candyman" is a coded reference to a dealer."
How to use candyman
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who sells candy — or, in slang, drugs.
When to use it
The drug-dealer sense is informal slang, common in music and film.
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like candyman.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- candymen
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The neighborhood _____ knew every kid by name.
Etymology
Formed from candy and -man.
Rhymes for candyman
See all rhymes for candyman →Frequently asked questions
What does “candyman” mean?
The word “candyman” means a man who sells candy or sweets, especially from a small shop or stall. In plain terms, someone who sells candy — or, in slang, drugs.
How do you use “candyman” in a sentence?
Here is “candyman” used in a sentence: “The neighborhood candyman knew every kid by name.”
What part of speech is “candyman”?
“Candyman” is a noun.
How many meanings does “candyman” have?
“Candyman” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a man who sells candy or sweets, especially from a small shop or stall.
