Definition

Noun: 1. A sweetened delicacy, especially a confection or piece of candy: A small, sweet food item, often rich in sugar, such as a piece of crystallized fruit, a sugar-coated nut, or a small pastry. 2. A sweet treat or dessert: Historically, any luxurious or finely prepared sweet food, often served as a dessert or special treat.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The old-fashioned shop sold various sweetmeats, including Turkish delight and candied almonds.
  • For the festival, they prepared traditional sweetmeats made from milk and sugar.
  • He offered her a box of exquisite sweetmeats as a gift.

Advanced Usage

• "A feast of sweetmeats": Refers to an abundant assortment of sweet confections.
  • The banquet concluded with a feast of sweetmeats and fine wines.
• Architectural/Historical Context: In historical texts, "sweetmeat" can refer specifically to candied fruits or nuts served at the end of a meal or during celebrations.

Variants and Related Words

• Sweet (adj/n): Having the pleasant taste characteristic of sugar; also a general term for a confection.
• Confection (n): A dish or item prepared with sweet ingredients. (This is a more general, modern synonym).
• Comfit (n): A type of sweetmeat consisting of a nut, seed, or piece of fruit coated in sugar.

Synonyms

• Confectionery: Sweets or candy collectively.
• Delicacy: A choice or expensive food item.
• Bonbon: A small chocolate or fondant candy.

Notes on Meaning

• The term sweetmeat is now considered somewhat archaic or literary in everyday modern English. It evokes a historical or traditional context.
• It is distinct from "sweetbread" (which is an organ meat). "Sweetmeat" always refers to a sugary food.
• While it can be a general term for candy, it often implies a certain quality, artistry, or traditional preparation method.

Noun

1. a sweetened delicacy (as a preserve or pastry)