candy
[kan-dee]
- any of a variety of confections made with sugar, syrup, etc., often combined with chocolate, fruit, nuts, etc.
- a single piece of such a confection.
- Slang. cocaine.
- someone or something that is pleasing or pleasurable, usually in a superficial way (often used in combination): The show is candy, but enjoy it for what it is. See also arm candy, ear candy, eye candy.
Show More
- to cook in sugar or syrup, as sweet potatoes or carrots.
- to cook in heavy syrup until transparent, as fruit, fruit peel, or ginger.
- to reduce (sugar, syrup, etc.) to a crystalline form, usually by boiling down.
- to coat with sugar: to candy dates.
- to make sweet, palatable, or agreeable.
Show More
- to become covered with sugar.
- to crystallize into sugar.
Show More
Origin of candy
1225–75; Middle English candi, sugre candi candied sugar < Middle French sucre candi; candi ≪ Arabic qandī < Persian qandi sugar < Sanskrit khaṇḍakaḥ sugar candy
Candy
[kan-dee]
- a female given name.
Show More
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for candy
Contemporary Examples
In fact, that candy store is heavy industry, with all the mess that entails.
These medications will not continue to work when we need them if they are handed out like candy.
Without Education, Antibiotic Resistance Will Be Our Greatest Health CrisisRussell Saunders
December 19, 2014
Meanwhile younger, lighter colors evoke citrus and tree fruits, candy sugars and vanilla toffee.
Why Natural Color Is So Crucial To Understanding A Whisky’s FlavorsDecember 10, 2014
Not just a candy factory but a candy store, and everything in it free.
In the choice between free candy shops and human beings, candy is still coming first.
Silicon Valley Interns Make a Service Worker’s Yearly Salary In Three MonthsSamantha Allen
November 25, 2014
Historical Examples
As for the child, he gave himself wholly to the enjoyment of a stick of candy.
Other Tales and SketchesNathaniel Hawthorne
Of what value are milk, cream, and butter in the making of candy?
Woman's Institute Library of Cookery, Vol. 5Woman's Institute of Domestic Arts and Sciences
What care should be exercised in the use of colorings in candy?
Woman's Institute Library of Cookery, Vol. 5Woman's Institute of Domestic Arts and Sciences
A box of candy against a good cigar, they are a stolid married couple.
KMary Roberts Rinehart
She should have the candy cock, but must promise not to say a word if she took it.
Rico and WiseliJohanna Spyri
candy
- mainly US and Canadian confectionery in general; sweets, chocolate, etc
- a person or thing that is regarded as being attractive but superficialarm candy
- like taking candy from a baby informal very easy to accomplish
Show More
- to cause (sugar, etc) to become crystalline, esp by boiling or (of sugar) to become crystalline through boiling
- to preserve (fruit peel, ginger, etc) by boiling in sugar
- to cover with any crystalline substance, such as ice or sugar
Show More
Word Origin
C18: from Old French sucre candi candied sugar, from Arabic qandi candied, from qand cane sugar, of Dravidian origin
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
Word Origin and History for candy
n.
late 13c., "crystalized sugar," from Old French çucre candi "sugar candy," ultimately from Arabic qandi, from Persian qand "cane sugar," probably from Sanskrit khanda "piece (of sugar)," perhaps from Dravidian (cf. Tamil kantu "candy," kattu "to harden, condense").
Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper