# candy

/ˈkændi/ (US) · /kˈændi/ (UK) · CEFR A1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/candy
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

sweet food made mostly of sugar. In British English, people usually call these sweets.

For teachers: a confection made primarily of sugar or syrup, often combined with fruit, chocolate, or nuts.

## Examples

- The children bought some candy at the store.
- The dentist warned the patient that eating too much sticky candy could damage their teeth over time.
- Artisanal confectioners often use traditional copper kettles to ensure the candy reaches the precise temperature required for a smooth, glass-like finish.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I bought many candies" but "I bought some candy" — In American English, 'candy' is usually uncountable when referring to a collection of sweets; 'candies' is reserved for distinct varieties.

## Usage notes

- Uncountable when referring to the substance in general; countable when referring to specific types or individual pieces.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.