Sugar

/ˈʃʊɡər/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A sweet crystalline substance obtained from various plants, especially sugar cane and sugar beets, consisting essentially of sucrose and used as a sweetener in foods and beverages.

She added two teaspoons of sugar to her coffee.

Any of various sweet, short-chain carbohydrates, including glucose, fructose, and lactose.

The body converts different types of sugar into glucose for energy.

An informal term of endearment.

He called her 'sugar' as a term of affection.

verb

To sprinkle or cover food with sugar.

She sugared the strawberries before serving them.

Etymology

Middle English: from Old French 'sugre,' from Latin 'sucra', from Arabic 'sukkar'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

sugar coat

To make something appear more pleasant or acceptable than it is.

sugar high

A brief burst of energy caused by consuming food high in sugar.

sugar mama

A wealthy older woman who provides financial support to a younger partner.

Related Words

glucose

A simple sugar that is an important energy source in living organisms.

fructose

A simple sugar found in many plants.

sucrose

A common sugar, which is a disaccharide composed of glucose and fructose.

Slang Meanings

Term of endearment for someone sweet or beloved.

Hey, sugar, how was your day?

A term used to refer to a wealthy benefactor, often in a romantic context.

She found a sugar daddy to help pay her bills.