What does sirup mean?
Sirup is an uncommon spelling of “syrup,” now encountered especially in the names of medicinal preparations. It denotes a thick, sweetened liquid containing a substance such as an herbal extract, flavoring, or active medicine. In British and American English, “syrup” is the normal contemporary spelling, while “sirup” may appear in traditional product names, older writing, or specialized contexts. The word can also be understood broadly as any concentrated sweet liquid, but that general sense is now chiefly expressed by “syrup.” Its historical vocabulary is especially associated with household remedies, including cough and digestive preparations. Although “sirup” remains fully understandable, using the standard spelling usually sounds more natural in modern English.
nounA variant spelling of “syrup,” especially used for a medicinal preparation made with sugar and a herbal extract or other flavoring.
- A thick, sweetened liquid, especially one containing a medicinal or herbal ingredient.
- A less common variant spelling of “syrup.”
"The pharmacist recommended a soothing sirup for the child's cough."
"She took a spoonful of the herbal sirup before going to bed."
"The label identifies the product as a vanilla-flavoured sirup."
Plural forms are uncommon in ordinary usage but are formed regularly in specialized or product-oriented contexts.
"The shop stocks several different herbal sirups."
The spelling “sirup” preserves an older English form of “syrup,” a word that began as a drink made from sugar and water.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sirup come from?
The word descends through Middle English from Medieval Latin “syrupus,” ultimately derived from Arabic “sharāb,” meaning a drink. The English forms “sirup” and “syrup” reflect different developments and spellings of the same inherited word. The modern standard spelling “syrup” became dominant as the word broadened from medicinal and flavoring preparations to sweetened liquids generally.
How sirup is actually used
The spelling is now uncommon in contemporary English and may sound old-fashioned or medicinal. “Syrup” is the standard modern spelling.
Easily confused with sirup
Sherbet is a dessert or drink flavored with fruit and often served chilled, whereas sirup is primarily a thick sweet preparation or a medicinal liquid.