What does lollipop mean?
A lollipop is a hard sweet fixed to the end of a small stick. It is eaten by licking or sucking the candy, and the stick makes the confection easy to hold and prevents the hands from becoming sticky. The word is common in both British and American English and often carries associations with childhood, sweets, and simple enjoyment. “Lolly” is a related British term that can mean either a small sweet or an ice pop, depending on context, while a lollipop is specifically candy on a stick. In figurative use, the word can describe something rounded, bright, or shaped like a lollipop, although such usage is informal. The term is especially common when talking about confectionery, parties, childhood treats, and the familiar practice of keeping a lollipop in the mouth for a long time.
A hard candy on a small stick, eaten by licking or sucking.
"The shop sells ice creams, chocolates, and brightly coloured lollipops."
The word is informal and familiar, and is often associated with children and confectionery.
The small stick attached to a lollipop, especially after the candy has been eaten.
"She put the lollipop in the wastebasket when only the stick remained."
The regular plural is used for both the sweets and, when referring to the sticks, the individual sticks.
"The children were given a bag of lollipops for the party."
The lollipop is one of the simplest confections: a sweet on a stick, turning an ordinary piece of candy into an instantly recognizable treat.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lollipop come from?
The word lollipop was formed in the 19th century from “loll” or “lolly,” a term associated with sweets and sucking, combined with “pop,” likely referring to the sound or popping action involved in extracting the sweet from its wrapper or shape. The compound was initially used for confectionery and later became the standard English name for candy on a stick. Its development reflects the older British vocabulary of lolly and the widespread practice of treating sweets as playful or attractive objects.
How lollipop is actually used
The word is familiar and often evokes childhood or a confectionery shop. In British English, lolly is a common related term, and lolly can also refer to an ice pop. The phrase “lollipop” is sometimes used figuratively for a brightly coloured, rounded object or design.
Easily confused with lollipop
A lolly is a small sweet or ice pop, whereas a lollipop is specifically a sweet served on a stick.