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 of kernel

• 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

The seed emerges from within the boy, who wakes to find it in his mouth—not a date stone, but a polished walnut kernel. —Anel Rakhimzhanova, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2026

Meanwhile, for mojo verde, in the bowl of a food processor combine cilantro, sunflower seed kernels, vinegar, whole garlic, cumin, 1/2 cup olive oil, and the remaining 1/2 cup parsley. —Chadwick Boyd, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Feb. 2026

Three sisters started Le Prunier by upcycling plum kernels from their family’s century-old organic farm in Northern California. —Tory Johnson, ABC News, 24 Feb. 2026

Farina is a finely ground wheat product made from the endosperm of the wheat kernel, which is primarily composed of starch. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 20 Feb. 2026

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