confectionery

American  

[kuhn-fek-shuh-ner-ee] / kənˈfɛk ʃəˌnɛr i /

noun

plural

confectioneries

1. candy or other confections collectively.

2. the work or business of a confectioner, who makes or sells confections.

3. a place where confections are sold; a confectioner's shop.

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confectionery British  

/ kənˈfɛkʃənərɪ /

noun

1. sweets and other confections collectively

2. the art or business of a confectioner

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Etymology

Origin of confectionery

First recorded in 1535–45; confection + -ery

Explanation

Confectionery is a fancy word for candy and other sweet treats, the place where they're sold, and the art of making them. If you're craving sour gummy worms or chocolate-covered pistachios, you can satisfy your sweet tooth by visiting a confectionery. Confectionery comes from confection, another word for a sugary treat. The candy aisle, cupcake bakery, and artisan chocolate shop can all be called confectioneries. Some chefs study confectionery in culinary school. You can also use the word to mean sweets. For some people, Halloween is all about dressing up in fabulous costumes, but for others, it's a perfect occasion to collect bags full of confectionery!

Example Sentences

After a visit home, I returned to campus with a stockpile, like a confectionery smuggler crossing state lines with sugary contraband stuffed between sweatshirts in my suitcase.

From Salon • Mar. 17, 2026

Since joining the series, Leith has sampled scores of competitors’ signature bakes, judged technical baking challenges and marveled at numerous bakers’ memorable confectionery showstoppers.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 21, 2026

It's proved such a hit that confectionery giants including Hershey, Mars and Ferrara have launched their own products.

From BBC • Dec. 5, 2025

Retail Halloween chocolate and candy sales hit $7.4 billion last year, up 2.2% from 2023, and represented about 18% of all confectionery retail sales in 2024.

From Barron's • Oct. 24, 2025

I’ve always regarded the Pepper Imp as the king of the confectionery bag.

From "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" by J.K. Rowling