marshmallow

American  

[mahrsh-mel-oh, -mal-oh] / ˈmɑrʃˌmɛl oʊ, -ˌmæl oʊ /

noun

1. a sweetened paste or confection made from the mucilaginous root of the marsh mallow.

2. a similar confection, usually soft and spongy, made from gum arabic or gelatin, sugar, corn syrup, and flavoring.

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marshmallow British  

/ ˌmɑːʃˈmæləʊ /

noun

1. a sweet of a spongy texture containing gum arabic or gelatine, sugar, etc

2. a sweetened paste or confection made from the root of the marsh mallow

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Usage

What is the Marshmallow Test? The Marshmallow Test is a famous psychological test performed on young children in the 1960s linking delayed gratification (a treat right now … or two later?) to success later in life.A 2018 replication notably concluded, though, that socioeconomic background significantly influenced the ability of children to delay their gratification. So the test was biased.

Other Word Forms

• marshmallowy adjective

Etymology

Origin of marshmallow

First recorded in 1905–10; marsh mallow

Example Sentences

“But I didn’t get a chance before her presentation, and afterward, I made a beeline for the marshmallow roast.”

From Literature

But start folding in coconut shreds, caramel swirls, candy pieces, cookie dough, marshmallows?

From Salon

When he was little, Pili used to tell him that clouds were like floating marshmallows and tasted sweet.

From Literature

Sleeping bags and pillows, my Yahtze game, long forks for roasting marshmallows, folding chairs to use around the campfire, Mom’s books, Dad’s wood carving tools, Abby’s doll, my radio, Moose’s basket.

From Literature

“I’m having some tea. Would you like any? Or hot chocolate. It’s the dehydrated kind, but it has marshmallows.”

From Literature

Related Words

• amiable
• cordial
• even-tempered
• friendly
• good-hearted
• good-humored
• gracious