# sweetie

/ˈswiti/ (US) · /swˈiːti/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sweetie
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. term of endearment

noun · CEFR A2 · Informal

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

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

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

noun · CEFR B1 · British English · Informal

a small piece of sweet food made with sugar.

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

- The little boy asked his grandmother if he could have a sweetie after lunch.
- The toddler sat quietly in the pram, contentedly sucking on a fruit-flavoured sweetie while his mother finished the grocery shopping.

Teaching tip: In British English, 'sweetie' is a more affectionate or childish version of 'sweet'.

### 3. a kind person

noun · CEFR B1 · Informal

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

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

- Thank you for helping me carry these heavy bags; you are such a sweetie.
- The neighbors described the nurse as a real sweetie who always checked on the elderly residents during the winter months.

## Examples

- Come here, sweetie, and have a snack.
- The shopkeeper smiled at the little girl and called her sweetie while handing over her ice cream.
- She signed off the email with a casual 'sweetie,' a habit that softened her otherwise direct and professional tone.

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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.