ENGLISH
REFERENCE

fudge

n. C / U
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈfədʒ// UK //fˈʌdʒ// fudge Archaic Humorous Informal Slang

n. a soft, sweet candy made from sugar, butter, and milk. It is usually thick and creamy, and many people like the chocolate version.

n. a soft, creamy confection made by boiling sugar, butter, and milk or cream to the soft-ball stage. Often flavoured with chocolate or vanilla and containing nuts or fruit.


SIMPLE

She bought a small box of chocolate fudge at the seaside.

CONTEXTUAL

The local bakery is famous for its homemade fudge, which they still stir by hand in large copper pots.

COMPLEX

While the texture of traditional fudge relies on the precise control of sugar crystallisation, modern recipes often use condensed milk to ensure a consistently smooth finish.

Synonyms
Origin

Probably a variant of fadge (“to fit”), the confectionery sense having evolved from the meaning of “merging together” or “turning out as expected”.

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the substance in general; countable when referring to specific pieces or varieties.

Idioms3 entries

© 2026 English Reference