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

“Sylvia covers her apples with brown sugar,” Helen says, taking deep umbrage.

From The Wall Street Journal

Bat didn’t like mushy foods, except for oatmeal with brown sugar.

From Literature

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

Think crescent dough wrapped around ribbons of honey ham and Swiss, each ball bathed in a poppy-seed-studded glaze of butter, Dijon, Worcestershire, and a hint of brown sugar, then baked until puffed, golden, and gleaming.

From Salon