What does syrup mean?
A syrup is a thick or viscous sweet liquid, usually made by dissolving sugar in water or another liquid. Familiar examples include maple syrup, corn syrup, and simple syrup, the latter used in cooking and drink preparation. In medical contexts, syrup means a liquid preparation containing medicine, often with sugar added to make it easier to swallow; cough syrup is a familiar example. Although syrup can be made in a thin consistency, the word often suggests a thicker texture than ordinary sweetened water. It is also used more broadly for concentrated sweet liquids derived from plant sources, such as fruit or maple sap. The word has a long history in both culinary and medical language, and its modern meanings preserve both associations: sweetness and a liquid preparation designed to carry another substance.
nounA thick, sweet liquid made by dissolving sugar in water or another liquid, often flavored or derived from fruit. The term can also refer to a medicinal preparation containing sugar and a dissolved medicine.
- A thick, sweet liquid made by dissolving sugar in water or another liquid, often flavored or derived from fruit.
- A medicinal preparation containing sugar and a dissolved medicine, taken as a liquid.
"The pancakes were served with warm maple syrup."
"She drizzled maple syrup over the waffles."
"The doctor recommended a cough syrup to ease his sore throat."
Use the plural when referring to multiple kinds of syrup or separate servings or containers of it.
"The shop sells several syrups, including vanilla and strawberry."
The word syrup began as a word for medicine, then gradually became a everyday name for the sweet liquids poured over breakfast foods.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does syrup come from?
The English word comes through Old French sirup from Medieval Latin sirupus, which was borrowed from Greek syrupos. Greek syrupos itself derives from Arabic sharāb, meaning a drink or potion. The same ultimate Arabic source underlies related words in several languages, including English sherbet, sorbet, and shrub.
Related word forms
How syrup is actually used
In general use, syrup usually refers to a sweet liquid; in medical contexts, it denotes a liquid medicine, often made with sugar to improve its taste. The word is common in British and American English.
Easily confused with syrup
Syrup is a sweet, often viscous liquid, whereas sherbet is typically a frozen dessert made from fruit, sugar, and water.