molasses
word
Definition
A thick, dark, sweet syrup made from sugar during the process of refining sugarcane or sugar beets. It's often used in baking, cooking, and sometimes as a sweetener.
Usage & Nuances
Most common in the US and Caribbean cooking, especially in gingerbread, baked beans, and barbecue sauces. British English sometimes uses 'treacle' for a similar but not identical product. 'Slow as molasses' means something is very slow. Not all 'molasses' are the same—there are light, dark, and blackstrap types.
Example Sentences
The recipe calls for a cup of molasses.
basic
She poured molasses on her pancakes.
basic
Cookies made with molasses have a rich flavor.
basic
I tried making gingerbread with blackstrap molasses for a deeper taste.
natural
When it's cold outside, molasses gets even thicker and harder to pour.
natural
Traffic downtown moves as slow as molasses during rush hour.
natural