syrup
Syrup (noun) means a thick, sugary liquid poured over food or used as a sweetener. Example: “She drizzled maple syrup over the pancakes.”
How to use syrup
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA thick, sweet liquid, or figuratively anything overly sentimental.
Word forms
syruped past tense, syrups plural, syrups singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She drizzled maple _____ over the pancakes.
Etymology
From Old French sirop, from Medieval Latin syrupus, ultimately from Arabic sharab, "a drink" — the same root behind "sherbet" and "sorbet."
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “syrup” mean?
The word “syrup” means a thick, sugary liquid poured over food or used as a sweetener. In plain terms, a thick, sweet liquid, or figuratively anything overly sentimental.
How do you pronounce “syrup”?
“Syrup” is pronounced SIH-ruhp (/ˈsɪɹ.əp/ in IPA).
How do you use “syrup” in a sentence?
Here is “syrup” used in a sentence: “She drizzled maple syrup over the pancakes.”
What part of speech is “syrup”?
“Syrup” is a noun.
Where does the word “syrup” come from?
The word “syrup” comes from Medieval Latin. From Old French sirop, from Medieval Latin syrupus, ultimately from Arabic sharab, "a drink" — the same root behind "sherbet" and "sorbet.".
Is “syrup” a common word?
“Syrup” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “syrup” have?
“Syrup” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a thick, sugary liquid poured over food or used as a sweetener.
What is the difference between syrup and honey?
Syrup is a broad term for a thick, sugary liquid poured over food or used as a sweetener, which can be made from various sources such as maple, corn, or sugar cane. Honey is a specific natural syrup produced by bees, with its own distinct flavour and origin.
What does it mean to call something syrup in a figurative sense?
Used figuratively, 'syrup' describes something regarded as overly sweet or sentimental, such as a syrupy film or song. The term borrows the idea of excessive sweetness to criticise emotional excess.
Is syrup only used to describe food?
No, while syrup literally refers to a thick, sugary liquid, it is also used figuratively to describe something overly sweet or sentimental in tone, such as writing or music. This figurative use extends beyond literal food or drink.
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