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

Some classic slurries are made with cornstarch, arrowroot, or potato starch, plus water or stock. — Rochelle Bilow, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 July 2026

In a bowl, whisk an egg, sour cream, sugar, lemon juice, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 July 2026

In addition to spices, chili seasoning mix usually contains a thickener, such as wheat flour or cornstarch, which creates a lovely viscosity in the broth once simmered. — Marianne Williams, Southern Living, 18 July 2026

Gradually whisk in milk until cornstarch has dissolved; whisk in yolks. — Martha Stewart, 17 July 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