kettle corn

noun

variants or less commonly kettlecorn

ˈke-tᵊl-ˌkȯrn 

US

: popped corn flavored with sugar, oil, and salt : sweetened popcorn

If you've ever had chocolate-covered pretzels or kettle corn, you know firsthand that salty and sweet can be a magical pairing.

—Allie Albanese and Melissa Diaz, Parade, 10 Dec. 2013

Word History

First Known Use

1990, in the meaning defined above

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!