Jelly: meaning, definitions and examples

A clear, sweet spread made from fruit juice and sugar, usually without any fruit pieces. Often used on toast or in sandwiches. Commonly found in children’s meals.

• She spread some grape jelly on her peanut butter sandwich

A thick, sweet spread made by crushing whole fruit, including its juice and flesh, mixed with sugar. It is commonly used on bread, in desserts, or as a filling. It has a more textured feel than jelly.

• Her homemade strawberry jam was a hit at the family picnic

A type of spread that contains large chunks of fruit or whole pieces of fruit, often combined with sugar and sometimes additional spices. It is similar to jam but with larger fruit pieces. Used for a more rustic or artisan touch in various foods.

• She gifted us a jar of peach preserves she made from her garden harvest

A type of fruit spread that includes whole fruit, sugar, and sometimes nuts or raisins. Conserves are chunkier than jam and are often used as a topping for baked goods or to accompany cheeses.

• The café served a delicious raspberry conserve with their scones

This word is often used to refer to a sweet, fruit-flavored food that is spread on bread or toast, or desserts that set into a firm, wobbly state.

• Spread some jelly on your toast for breakfast.
• The kids loved the jelly dessert at the party.

Commonly used to refer to a semi-solid substance, often used in cosmetic and medical products. It can also refer to a thick, slippery substance created by a chemical process.

• She used hair gel to keep her hairstyle in place.
• The doctor applied a cooling gel to the wound.

This word typically refers to a tasteless, colorless food ingredient derived from collagen, used to create jellied foods and in pharmaceuticals.

• You'll need some gelatin to make this mousse dessert.
• Gelatin capsules are easy to swallow and dissolve quickly.

Often used to describe something that is chewy and slightly sticky, frequently referring to types of candy.

• The children were excited about the gummy bears in their treat bags.
• Gummy candies are my favorite movie snack.