caramelize

[ kar-uh-muh-lahyz, kahr-muh- ]

/ ˈkær ə məˌlaɪz, ˈkɑr mə- /

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verb (used with or without object), car·a·mel·ized, car·a·mel·iz·ing.

to convert or be converted into caramel.

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Also especially British, car·a·mel·ise .

Origin of caramelize

First recorded in 1720–30; caramel + -ize

OTHER WORDS FROM caramelize

car·a·mel·i·za·tion, nounun·car·a·mel·ized, adjective

Words nearby caramelize

carageen, Caramanlis, caramba, carambola, caramel, caramelize, carangid, carangoid, carapa, carapace, carat

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use caramelize in a sentence

Starting today, Starbucks will be serving an apple crisp macchiato, “made with apple and brown sugar flavors and topped with a caramelized apple drizzle, made with apple puree.”
This Fall, Chains Are Trying to Make Apple Stuff Happen|Jaya Saxena|August 24, 2021|Eater
Roast in the oven for 20 minutes, or until the onions and peppers begin to caramelize.
A sheet-pan shortcut for Chicago-style Italian sausage sandwiches with peppers and onions|Daniela Galarza|June 24, 2021|Washington Post
Wait until you see strong grill marks to ensure the sugars are fully caramelized.
The Best Way to Enjoy Summer Produce Is Over the Grill|Aliza Abarbanel|June 11, 2021|Eater
I think the caramelized onions are essential, but consider instead caramelized garlic or fennel.
This diner-style ‘patty’ melt is full of caramelized onions, mushrooms and cheese|Daniela Galarza|May 6, 2021|Washington Post

Spread the vegetables evenly on the baking sheet and roast for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the oranges and onions start to caramelize.
A one-pan salmon dinner with minty peas, orange and fennel|Daniela Galarza|April 1, 2021|Washington Post
Caramelize half the sugar and add to it the 1/2 cupful of boiling water.
Woman's Institute Library of Cookery, Vol. 4|Woman's Institute of Domestic Arts and Sciences
Caramelize 1/2 cupful of the sugar, add the water, and cook until the caramel has dissolved.
Woman's Institute Library of Cookery, Vol. 4|Woman's Institute of Domestic Arts and Sciences
When all the water has boiled away, the sugar begins to caramelize or become brown, and develops a characteristic flavor.
Woman's Institute Library of Cookery, Vol. 1|Woman's Institute of Domestic Arts and Sciences
Caramelize one cup of the sugar and add two cups of water to dissolve.
Quantity Cookery|Lenore Richards
Caramelize the sugar, add the hot water and pour over the softened gelatin.
Quantity Cookery|Lenore Richards

British Dictionary definitions for caramelize

caramelize

caramelise

/ (ˈkærəməˌlaɪz) /

verb

to convert or be converted into caramel

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