popcorn

1 of 2

noun

pop·​corn ˈpäp-ˌkȯrn 

: corn (Zea mays var. everta synonym Z. mays praecox) having kernels that upon exposure to heat burst open to form a white starchy mass

also : the kernels especially after popping

popcorn

2 of 2

adjective

1

: being or consisting of bite-size pieces of food that are typically breaded or battered and fried

popcorn chicken/shrimp

… I am easily swayed by the popcorn cauliflower ($9). Lightly battered and fried crisp, the cauliflower is perfectly tender and not at all heavy.

—Kathy Jollimore

2

: having widespread appeal but usually offering little artistic merit or intellectual stimulation

popcorn movies

popcorn entertainment

Examples of popcorn in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Some scientists suspect that the plumes come from the sun heating through Triton’s ice cap until a pressure buildup causes a watery explosion, similar to the mechanism of popcorn. —Shi En Kim, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Nov. 2024

Each year the attraction brings in about 20,000 visitors, who leave smiling too with a free bag of caramel popcorn, Ortiz said. —Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2024

Adjective

My favorite food is popcorn. —Dalton Ross, EW.com, 1 July 2021

Who knew the secrets to an angelic glow were popcorn and clay face masks? —Olivia Evans, Women's Health, 31 Jan. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1823, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1965, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing popcorn

• popcorn chicken/shrimp

Kids Definition

popcorn

noun

pop·​corn

ˈpäp-ˌkȯ(ə)rn

: corn with kernels that burst open to form a white starchy mass when heated

also : the popped kernels