A marshmallow is a soft, squishy, sweet treat made from sugar, water, and gelatin whipped together until it becomes light and fluffy. When you squeeze a marshmallow between your fingers, it compresses easily and then bounces back to its puffy shape.

Marshmallows are most famous for their role in camping: toasted over a campfire until the outside turns golden brown and slightly crispy while the inside becomes warm and gooey. They're a key ingredient in s'mores, sandwiched between graham crackers with chocolate. People also float them in hot chocolate, bake them into Rice Krispies treats, or eat them straight from the bag.

The word also describes someone with a soft, gentle personality. If your friend seems tough on the outside but is really kind and sensitive, you might say they're a marshmallow on the inside. When something difficult turns out to be surprisingly easy, people sometimes say it was like squishing a marshmallow.