candy bar
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A candy bar is a type of confectionery that is molded into a long, narrow, rectangular shape, similar to a bar. It is typically made from chocolate or other sweet ingredients, often containing additions like nuts, caramel, nougat, or crisped rice, and is individually wrapped for sale.
Usage
The term "candy bar" is used to refer to a specific, portable, and individually packaged sweet snack. - I bought a candy bar from the vending machine. - Her favorite candy bar is one with peanuts and caramel.
Advanced Usage
- As a countable noun: The term is almost always used as a countable noun (e.g., ).
- In a figurative sense: Rarely, it can be used metaphorically to describe something that is appealing or tempting in a simple, sweet way.
- The politician's promises were just a candy bar—sweet but without real substance.
Variants and Related Words
- Chocolate bar: A more specific term for a candy bar whose primary ingredient is chocolate. While many candy bars are chocolate bars, not all are (e.g., some may be made primarily of nougat or fruit chews).
- Confectionery: The general category for sweet foods, which includes candy bars.
- Snack bar: A broader term that can refer to any bar-shaped snack, which may be sweet (like a granola bar) or savory.
Synonyms
- Chocolate bar (when chocolate-based)
- Sweet bar
- Confectionery bar
Related Phrases
- Like a kid in a candy store: An idiom meaning to be extremely excited and delighted by the many choices or opportunities available. While it uses "candy," it evokes the same sense of sweet temptation as a candy bar.
- When he entered the electronics shop, he was like a kid in a candy store.
Notes on Meaning
The definition focuses on the shape and form (a bar) and the category (candy). It does not specify the exact ingredients, allowing for variety within the category. The primary meaning is the physical, edible product.