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

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

“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

Now, he will cut out the maple syrup and brown sugar he added to sweet potatoes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 26, 2025

For a more autumnal spin, I tuck in about ½ cup of cubed, softened butternut squash, a sprinkle of brown sugar, cubes of manchego, and a few torn sage leaves.

From Salon • Nov. 4, 2025

It was a pale brown sugar, not dark brown like the maple sugar Ma used for every day.

From "Little House in the Big Woods" by Laura Ingalls Wilder