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

Instead of masking smells with fragrance sprays, which can stain or stiffen sheepskin, all of our experts suggested using baking soda and cornstarch for removing odors. —Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 21 Feb. 2026

Add flour or cornstarch and cook, continuously whisking, for around 3 minutes to make a roux. —Gretchen McKay, Twin Cities, 11 Feb. 2026

Whisk 1 tablespoon water, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and baking soda in medium bowl. —Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 10 Feb. 2026

Substitute it with 2¼ cups all-purpose flour plus ¼ cup cornstarch, and keep that AP flour handy. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Feb. 2026

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