ENGLISH
REFERENCE

sweetie

n.
US //ˈswiti// UK //swˈiːti// sweet·ie
  1. 1 term of endearment (n.)
    A2 Elementary Informal

    a kind name you call someone you love, like a partner, a child, or a close friend.

    a term of endearment used to address a person for whom one feels affection.

    Example

    Don't worry, sweetie, we will be home in just a few minutes.

    Example

    She addressed her husband as 'sweetie' in public, a habit that some of their more formal friends found slightly cloying.

    Usage

    Commonly used as a vocative or term of address.
  2. 2 a piece of candy (n.)
    B1 Intermediate British English Informal

    a small piece of sweet food made with sugar.

    a piece of confectionery or candy; used primarily by or when speaking to children.

    Example

    The little boy asked his grandmother if he could have a sweetie after lunch.

    Example

    The toddler sat quietly in the pram, contentedly sucking on a fruit-flavoured sweetie while his mother finished the grocery shopping.

    Teacher's tip

    In British English, 'sweetie' is a more affectionate or childish version of 'sweet'.
  3. 3 a kind person (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Informal

    a person who is very nice, helpful, or kind.

    an informal designation for a person perceived as particularly kind, helpful, or pleasant.

    Example

    Thank you for helping me carry these heavy bags; you are such a sweetie.

    Example

    The neighbors described the nurse as a real sweetie who always checked on the elderly residents during the winter months.
Origin

From sweet + -ie.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Last updated June 20, 2026