A1 noun Neutral #1,675 most common

candy

/ˈkændi/

Candy is a sweet food product made primarily from sugar or syrup, often combined with flavorings, fruit, or chocolate. It is typically eaten as a small snack or a treat rather than as a main meal.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I bought some colorful candy at the local grocery store for the party.

I bought some colorful sugar treats at the local grocery store for the party.

2

The hotel provides complimentary candy for all guests in the lobby area.

The hotel provides free sugar treats for all guests in the lobby area.

3

Hey, do you want to grab some candy before the movie starts?

Hey, do you want to get some sweets before the movie starts?

Word Family

Noun
candy
Verb
candy
Adjective
candied
Related
confectioner
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Memory Tip

Think of a 'CAN' filled with 'D'elicious 'Y'ellow sugar: CAN-D-Y.

Quick Quiz

The children were very happy because their grandmother gave them some ______.

Correct!

The correct answer is: candy

Examples

1

I bought some colorful candy at the local grocery store for the party.

everyday

I bought some colorful sugar treats at the local grocery store for the party.

2

The hotel provides complimentary candy for all guests in the lobby area.

formal

The hotel provides free sugar treats for all guests in the lobby area.

3

Hey, do you want to grab some candy before the movie starts?

informal

Hey, do you want to get some sweets before the movie starts?

4

Nutritional studies indicate that excessive candy consumption can contribute to dental issues.

academic

Nutritional studies indicate that excessive consumption of sweets can contribute to dental issues.

5

Our marketing department is developing a new strategy to promote our premium candy line.

business

Our marketing department is developing a new strategy to promote our high-quality sweets line.

Word Family

Noun
candy
Verb
candy
Adjective
candied
Related
confectioner

Common Collocations

cotton candy spun sugar treat
hard candy solid boiled sugar treat
candy bar a chocolate-covered snack unit
piece of candy a single item of candy
sugar-free candy candy made without sugar

Common Phrases

like taking candy from a baby

doing something that is extremely easy

eye candy

someone or something that is visually attractive but lacks depth

kid in a candy store

someone who is very excited because they have many great choices

Often Confused With

candy vs sweets

Candy is the standard term in American English, whereas sweets is the preferred term in British English.

📝

Usage Notes

The word candy is often used as an uncountable noun when referring to the food category in general, but can be countable (candies) when referring to different types or individual pieces.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use the plural 'candies' when they should use the uncountable form 'candy' for general preference, e.g., saying 'I like candies' instead of 'I like candy'.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of a 'CAN' filled with 'D'elicious 'Y'ellow sugar: CAN-D-Y.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Arabic word 'qandi', which means 'made of sugar'.

Grammar Patterns

Usually uncountable: 'I don't eat much candy.' Countable for varieties: 'The shop sells many different candies.' Commonly functions as a noun adjunct: 'candy shop', 'candy cane'.
🌍

Cultural Context

In the United States, candy is the primary item given to children during the holiday of Halloween.

Quick Quiz

The children were very happy because their grandmother gave them some ______.

Correct!

The correct answer is: candy

More Food words

cookie

A1

A cookie is a small, flat, sweet baked food. It is usually made from flour, sugar, and oil or butter, and often includes ingredients like chocolate chips, nuts, or raisins.

menu

A1

A menu is a list of food and drink options that you can choose from at a restaurant or café. It can also refer to a list of functions or commands displayed on a computer screen.

recipe

A1

A set of written instructions that tell you how to cook or prepare a specific type of food. It usually includes a list of ingredients and step-by-step directions to follow.

cook

A1

To prepare food by heating it so that it is ready to eat. It describes the general process of making a meal using heat sources like a stove or oven.

bake

A1

To cook food by dry heat without direct exposure to a flame, typically in an oven. This method is most commonly used for preparing bread, cakes, and cookies.

fry

A1

A thin strip of potato that has been deep-fried until crispy. It is commonly served as a side dish or snack and is often seasoned with salt.

drink

A1

To take liquid into your mouth and swallow it. It is a basic human action used for hydration, nutrition, or social enjoyment.

milk

A1

Milk is a white liquid produced by female mammals, such as cows and goats, used as food by humans. It is commonly consumed as a drink or used as an ingredient in various recipes like cereal, coffee, and cakes.

tea

A1

A popular drink made by soaking dried leaves in hot water. It can be served hot or cold and is often enjoyed with milk, sugar, or lemon.

egg

A1

An oval object laid by a female bird, especially a chicken, used as food. It consists of a hard outer shell, a clear white, and a yellow center called the yolk.

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