1
: the inner softer part of a seed, fruit stone, or nut
… as brown in hue as hazelnuts, and sweeter than the kernels.—
William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare2
: a whole seed of a cereal
a kernel of corn
3
: a central or essential part : germ
like many stereotypes … this one too contains some kernels of truth—S. M. Lyman
S. M. Lyman4
chiefly dialectal
: a fruit seed
5
mathematics
: a subset of the elements of one set (such as a group) that a function (such as a homomorphism) maps onto an identity element of another set
Examples of kernel in a Sentence
There's not a kernel of truth in what they say.
the kernel of your argument seems to be the inevitability of human migration into space
Recent Examples on the Web
Fleck suggested first finding that kernel of truth in what the other person is saying or doing.
—Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
For decades the jewelry house Tane México 1942 has translated its Mexican heritage and identity into silver, drawing inspiration from items as diverse as kernels of corn, Oaxacan needlework and even Frida Kahlo’s signature braids.
—Janelle Conaway, New York Times, 20 May 2025
Which led to… Survivor 48 players share their picks for the best season ever
Operation Make Believe Idol
Kyle's master plan was to take a kernel of truth and then pop up a big massive lie out of it.
—Dalton Ross, EW.com, 15 May 2025
If fresh corn is in season, use fresh, raw corn kernels in place of frozen.
—Ann Taylor Pittman, Southern Living, 6 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for kernel
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Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
For decades the jewelry house Tane México 1942 has translated its Mexican heritage and identity into silver, drawing inspiration from items as diverse as kernels of corn, Oaxacan needlework and even Frida Kahlo’s signature braids.
—Janelle Conaway, New York Times, 20 May 2025
Which led to… Survivor 48 players share their picks for the best season ever
Operation Make Believe Idol
Kyle's master plan was to take a kernel of truth and then pop up a big massive lie out of it.
—Dalton Ross, EW.com, 15 May 2025
If fresh corn is in season, use fresh, raw corn kernels in place of frozen.
—Ann Taylor Pittman, Southern Living, 6 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for kernel
Cite this Entry
“Kernel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kernel. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
kernel
noun
ker·nel
ˈkərn-ᵊl 
1
a
: the inner softer part of a seed, fruit stone, or nut
b
: a whole grain or seed of a cereal (as wheat or corn)
2
: a central or basic part
a kernel of truth in what they say
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