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 one who orders up quality stocks might be served a choice of two ETFs as far apart as mashed potatoes and marshmallows.

From Barron's

But one who orders up quality stocks might be served a choice of two ETFs as far apart as mashed potatoes and marshmallows.

From Barron's

For example, like their caramel production, Tunnock's marshmallow is made under close human supervision.

From BBC

The chocolate-coated marshmallows at one stall impress Till, who is from a town near Frankfurt.

From BBC

You want your marshmallows to be as small as possible to make sure they get properly melted and toasted and everyone gets some of those sugary pillows in their serving.

From Salon

Related Words

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