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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.


brown sugar British  

noun

  1. sugar that is unrefined or only partially refined

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of brown sugar

First recorded in 1695–1705

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Cook the carrots: Cook the carrot, butter, brown sugar, zest and salt over medium-low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and jammy.

From Salon Aug. 16, 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

“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

Roasted apples, dusted with cinnamon and brown sugar, bring soft caramelized notes, while spoonfuls of apple butter introduce deep, sticky fruit flavor.

From Salon Nov. 27, 2025

Nan reached over and plopped a handful of mini-marshmallows and a heaping spoon of brown sugar in my bowl when his back was turned, but I still didn’t eat a bite.

From "Hope Springs" by Jaime Berry

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