syrup

Or sir·up

[sur-uhp, sir-]

noun

1. any of various thick, sweet liquids prepared for table use from molasses, glucose, etc., water, and often a flavoring agent.

2. any of various preparations consisting of fruit juices, water, etc., boiled with sugar.

   raspberry syrup.

3. Pharmacology.,  a concentrated sugar solution that contains medication or flavoring.

4. simple syrup.

verb (used with object)

1. to bring to the form or consistency of syrup.

2. to cover, fill, or sweeten with syrup.

syrup

/ ˈsɪrəp /

noun

1. a solution of sugar dissolved in water and often flavoured with fruit juice: used for sweetening fruit, etc

2. any of various thick sweet liquids prepared for cooking or table use from molasses, sugars, etc

3. a liquid medicine containing a sugar solution for flavouring or preservation

4. informal,  cloying sentimentality

5. slang,  a wig

verb

1. to bring to the consistency of syrup

2. to cover, fill, or sweeten with syrup

Other Word Forms

• syrup-like adjective
• syruplike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of syrup¹

1350–1400; < Medieval Latin syrupus < Arabic sharāb a drink; replacing Middle English sirop < Middle French < Medieval Latin, as above

Word History and Origins

Origin of syrup¹

C15: from Medieval Latin syrupus, from Arabic sharāb a drink, from shariba to drink: sense 4 from rhyming slang syrup of fig

Example Sentences

Michael Doten, who owns a sugarhouse and farm nearby, is among the supporters—even if fewer visitors means less maple syrup sales.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

For me, the most novel recipes are found in the drinks section, which includes recipes for egg creams, tart shrubs and sweet syrups—nods to the elaborate soda fountains that flourished in the past century.

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They were doused in a fragrance called Caramel Swirl, a mashup of notes that they liked because it remind them of Mrs. Butterworth’s syrup.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Tyson Foods has said it would nix the dyes from its branded products, and last month also pledged to stop using high-fructose corn syrup, along with other preservatives and sweeteners.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

At least 11 victims - aged one to six - had died within days of taking a common cough syrup.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• maple syrup 
• molasses