kernel

noun

ker·​nel ˈkər-nᵊl 

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

2

: 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

4

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

Synonyms

• root
• core
• essence
• heart

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

Cut corn kernels from the cob using a sharp knife; discard cobs. —Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 July 2025

Quantum kernels demonstrate superior performance to traditional feature engineering methods when the decision boundary remains difficult to separate. —Sadhasivam Mohanadas, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025

Add the corn and cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally or until kernels brown in spots. —arkansasonline.com, 8 July 2025

Cut kernels from corn, and place in bowl with reserved dressing. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 2 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English cyrnel, diminutive of corn

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Phrases Containing kernel

• pine kernel

Rhymes for kernel

• colonel
• journal
• sternal
• vernal
• diurnal
• eternal
• external
• fraternal
• infernal
• internal
• maternal
• nocturnal

Kids 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