syrup

American  

[sur-uhp, sir-] / ˈsɜr əp, ˈsɪr- /

Or sirup

noun

1. any of various thick, sweet liquids prepared for table use from molasses, glucose, etc., water, and often a flavoring agent.

2. any of various preparations consisting of fruit juices, water, etc., boiled with sugar.

   raspberry syrup.

3. Pharmacology. a concentrated sugar solution that contains medication or flavoring.

4. simple syrup.

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verb (used with object)

1. to bring to the form or consistency of syrup.

2. to cover, fill, or sweeten with syrup.

syrup British  

/ ˈsɪrəp /

noun

1. a solution of sugar dissolved in water and often flavoured with fruit juice: used for sweetening fruit, etc

2. any of various thick sweet liquids prepared for cooking or table use from molasses, sugars, etc

3. a liquid medicine containing a sugar solution for flavouring or preservation

4. informal cloying sentimentality

5. slang a wig

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verb

1. to bring to the consistency of syrup

2. to cover, fill, or sweeten with syrup

Other Word Forms

• syrup-like
  adjective
• syruplike
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of syrup

1350–1400; < Medieval Latin syrupus < Arabic sharāb a drink; replacing Middle English sirop < Middle French < Medieval Latin, as above

Explanation

Syrup is the thick, sweet liquid you pour on your blueberry pancakes. Maple syrup is just one of many deliciously sticky types of syrup. Syrup is a sweetener that dissolves in liquid more quickly and easily than sugar, so it's often used in beverages. Corn syrup sweetens many sodas, and you might pour a simple syrup (which is made by melting sugar in hot water and cooling it) into your iced tea. The Old French source is sirop, "sugary drink," from the Arabic sharab, "beverage."

Example Sentences

In 2011 a group of Quebecers pulled off what has come to be known as the Great Maple Syrup Heist, “the most valuable theft in the history of Canada.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 24, 2025

They were mostly young Black and brown kids wearing some combination of Chiefin Heavily, That’s An Awful Lot of Cough Syrup and earlier runs of Drakeo merch.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 25, 2025

"The strategic reserve is holding its lowest amount of maple syrup since 2008," Simon Doré-Ouellet, the deputy director general of the Quebec Maple Syrup Producers, told the BBC.

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2024

As the country gears up for the coronation of King Charles on May 6, Opie has updated his collection with new items, including labels of Cadbury chocolate and Lyle's Golden Syrup.

From Reuters • Apr. 28, 2023

“Rice. With Log Cabin Syrup and melted butter.”

From "Farewell to Manzanar" by Jeanne Houston

Related Words

• maple syrup
• molasses