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

Whisk together cornstarch, 2 tablespoons water, and vinegar in a small bowl until smooth. — Marianne Williams, Southern Living, 10 Aug. 2026

Mix a small amount of cornstarch into the soil to help loosen it slightly and retain moisture more evenly. — Farima Ferguson, The Spruce, 10 Aug. 2026

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cornstarch, salt, and baking soda, then gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet. — Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 July 2026

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