brown sugar

American  

noun

1. unrefined or partially refined sugar that retains some molasses.

2. a commercial product consisting of white, refined sugar to which molasses has been added.

3. Slang. brownish-colored heroin manufactured illicitly in Mexico.

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brown sugar British  

noun

1. sugar that is unrefined or only partially refined

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Etymology

Origin of brown sugar

First recorded in 1695–1705

Example Sentences

Start with brown butter — cooled, but still fragrant — and mix it with brown sugar, flour, a generous measure of cinnamon and a pinch of salt.

From Salon • Mar. 31, 2026

The dry lake beds and bare mountains were cast in glow and shadow, the whole scene washed in cinnamon and brown sugar — earthy tones that felt almost edible.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 5, 2026

Each layer is slathered with a decadent mixture of brown sugar, butter and cinnamon that will melt into warm, sugary goodness while baking.

From Salon • Dec. 15, 2025

“The irony … is that I love Pop-Tarts. I particularly love the brown sugar tarts. I probably eat too many of them,” Bevacqua said.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 12, 2025

They melt in glass skin-tone pots creating every pigment imaginable: ink black, sandy beige, eggshell white, desert brown, lemony cream, soft sable, brown sugar syrup, and more.

From "The Belles" by Dhonielle Clayton