cornstarch

noun

corn·​starch ˈkȯrn-ˌstärch 

: 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

Whisk in the cornstarch, salt, and ½ teaspoon of the cardamom. —Ellen Gray, Saveur, 15 May 2025

Strawberry Pie 3 tablespoons cornstarch 3 tablespoons strawberry gelatin 1 cup sugar 1 cup water 1 pint fresh strawberries, washed and capped 1 baked pie crust 1 cup heavy cream, whipped OR 1 small carton Cool Whip Combine cornstarch, gelatin, sugar and water in saucepan. —Kelly Brant, Arkansas Online, 13 May 2025

In a small saucepan, dissolve the cornstarch by whisking it into 50 grams (3 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon) cold water. —Francesca Giuliani Hoffman, CNN Money, 9 May 2025

In a 10″ ovenproof skillet or square baking dish, toss blueberries with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice and lemon zest. —Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cornstarch

• arch
• march
• starch

Kids Definition

cornstarch

noun

corn·​starch -ˌstärch 

: 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