cornstarch

noun

corn·​starch ˈkȯrn-ˌstärch How to pronounce cornstarch (audio)
: starch made from corn and used in foods as a thickening agent, in making corn syrup and sugars, and in the manufacture of adhesives and sizes for paper and textiles

Examples of cornstarch in a Sentence

I used some cornstarch to thicken the gravy.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Sprinkle the stain with a thick layer (one-fourth inch) of cornstarch or talcum powder. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 28 Oct. 2024 But for a more comprehensive clean, use a crevice tool along the edges and scatter baking soda or cornstarch onto the mattress (to soak up odors or oils) before vacuuming and use the crevice tool along the edges. Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Oct. 2024 The addition of cornstarch and baking powder, though not exactly traditional, helps create a lighter, crisper coating. Aaron Hutcherson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 2024 Step 4 In a shallow bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, flour, tapioca starch, 2 tablespoons of salt, and 1 tablespoon of Old Bay. Lynn Derrick and Janelle Weaver, Saveur, 27 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for cornstarch 

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cornstarch was in 1853

Dictionary Entries Near cornstarch

Cite this Entry

“Cornstarch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cornstarch. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

cornstarch

noun
corn·​starch -ˌstärch How to pronounce cornstarch (audio)
: a fine starch made from corn and used in foods for thickening, in making corn syrup and sugars, and in making adhesives and sizes for papers and textiles

More from Merriam-Webster on cornstarch

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!