Marshmellow vs. Marshmallow: The Correct Spellings

Remembering the correct spelling can be achieved by focusing on the “mallow” part of the word, referring back to the plant’s name, Althaea officinalis, also known as the marsh mallow. By recalling that the sweet treat was originally derived from the marsh mallow plant, you can remember to spell the word as marshmallow, not marshmellow.

Marshmellow is a common misspelling of the correct term marshmallow. Marshmallow refers to a soft, sweet confection made from sugar, water, and gelatin, typically enjoyed as a snack or in recipes. Marshmellow, with the 'e', is simply a spelling error, most likely stemming from the way many people pronounce the word.

The term "marshmallow" has its origin from a plant of the same name. The marshmallow plant, Althaea officinalis, has leaves and roots that were once used to make a medicinal concoction intended to soothe sore throats and coughs. The modern confection we know today evolved from this early use but no longer contains any part of the plant.

Incorrect: He roasted a marshmellow over the fire.

Correct: He roasted a marshmallow over the fire.

Incorrect: They made s'mores with chocolate, graham crackers, and a melted marshmellow.

Correct: They made s'mores with chocolate, graham crackers, and a melted marshmallow.

A soft, chewy candy typically shaped in cylindrical or rectangular pieces.

A candy consisting of sweetened, whipped gelatin, used as a topping for hot chocolate or eaten alone.

A sweet, fluffy confection made from sugar, water, and gelatin.

A soft, spongy confection made with sugar and gelatin.

A sugary confection used in cooking, baking, or as a candy snack.

A light, spongy, very sweet confection made of corn syrup, gelatin, sugar, and often vanilla.

A confection of sweetened paste, formerly made from the root of the marshmallow plant.

often marsh mallow A perennial plant (Althaea officinalis) in the mallow family, native to Eurasia and naturalized in eastern North America, having pink flowers and a mucilaginous root used in herbal medicine and formerly in confections.

Marsh mallow, a species of mallow, Althaea officinalis, that grows in marshy terrain.

A type of confectionery, originally (since Ancient Egyptian times) made from this plant, but now generally made of sugar or corn syrup, gelatin that has been pre-softened in water, gum arabic, flavorings, and sometimes beaten egg whites, all whipped to a spongy consistency.

(figuratively) Someone who is soft and benign.

To soften (literally or figuratively)

spongy confection made of gelatin and sugar and corn syrup and dusted with powdered sugar

The marshmallow melted quickly near the fire.

He caught a marshmallow tossed across the room.

She topped her ice cream sundae with a marshmallow.

The marshmallow squished between her fingers.

The marshmallow bobbed in the hot chocolate before melting.

Describes an idealized, soft, and fluffy winter scene, often used in the context of a snow-covered landscape.

Describes someone who is outwardly tough but very gentle and kind at heart.

Referring to a test of delayed gratification where one must wait to receive a better reward; originated from a psychological experiment using marshmallows.

To become very soft or sentimental, often from something touching or warm.

Very soft and gentle, often used to describe textures or personalities.

A very soft or gentle landing, often used metaphorically for a situation that turns out better than expected.

A moment that is particularly sweet, tender, or happy.

A task that seems easy but requires creativity and problem-solving, named after a team-building exercise.

A promise that is not very strong or is easily broken.

A gentle, soft approach to negotiation or persuasion.

Describes a situation or problem that is particularly tricky or complicated.

Facing a series of challenges that test one's patience or resolve.

In a situation that is comfortable or without stress.

To have a day that is particularly easygoing and pleasant.

Describing something that quickly loses its strength or integrity under pressure.

A very soft and gentle handshake, sometimes implying a lack of confidence.

Words that are sweet and comforting.

Yes, the roots and leaves of the marshmallow plant were historically used for medicinal and culinary purposes.

Marshmallow is typically pronounced as [marsh-mallow], but many people mistakenly pronounce, and therefore spell it, as [marsh-mellow].

It is called marshmallow because it was originally made from the mallow plant that grew in marshes.

No, marshmellow is not correct; the proper spelling is marshmallow.

Yes, the marshmallow plant, Althaea officinalis, was used in the original recipe for marshmallow confections.

Marshmallows are used in various recipes, including as toppings for sweet potatoes and hot chocolate, or as ingredients in desserts like rice krispie treats.

Modern marshmallows are typically made from sugar, water, and gelatin.

No, modern marshmallows do not contain any parts of the marshmallow plant.

Yes, in a figurative sense, marshmallow can refer to something that is very soft, spongy, or lacks firmness.

Remembering the plant, marsh mallow, from which the confection originally derived, can help you recall the correct spelling, marshmallow.