Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner's English Dictionary - sweetener

(sweeteners) 1. Sweetener is an artificial substance that can be used in drinks instead of sugar. N-MASS 2. A sweetener is something that you give or offer someone in order to persuade them to accept an offer or business deal. N-COUNT SWEETHEART (sweethearts) 1. You call someone sweetheart if you are very fond of them. Happy birthday, sweetheart. = darling N-VOC 2. Your sweetheart is your boyfriend or your girlfriend. (JOURNALISM or OLD-FASHIONED) I married Shurla, my childhood sweetheart, in Liverpool. N-COUNT: usu supp N