arrowroot

noun

ar·​row·​root ˈer-ō-ˌrüt 

-ˌru̇t, 

ˈer-ə-, 

ˈa-rō-, 

ˈa-rə-

plural arrowroots

1

a

: any of a genus (Maranta of the family Marantaceae, the arrowroot or prayer plant family) of tropical American plants that typically have tuberous roots : maranta

especially : one (M. arundinacea) whose roots yield an easily digested edible starch

b

: any of several plants (such as coontie) that yield starch

2

: starch yielded by an arrowroot

Examples of arrowroot in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The first ingredient is the main veggie (broccoli, spinach, or sweet potato), then potatoes, onions, potato flakes, canola oil or sunflower oil, egg whites, arrowroot powder, salt, and garlic. —Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 30 Nov. 2025

Gravy made with thickened using turkey juice and puréed low-starch veggies, or arrowroot powder instead of flour. —Abby Norman, Verywell Health, 26 Nov. 2025

Real grasscloth wallpaper is made from natural fibers like jute, hemp, arrowroot, or seagrass, which are handwoven and backed with paper. —Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 July 2025

As its name suggests, this cream is infused with antioxidant-rich goji berry, black soybean, and arrowroot extracts to boost skin elasticity. —Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 9 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

arrow entry 1 + root entry 1

First Known Use

1681, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for arrowroot

• absolute
• attribute
• bitterroot
• constitute
• convolute
• destitute
• disrepute
• dissolute
• execute
• institute
• involute
• kiwifruit

Kids Definition

arrowroot

noun

ar·​row·​root -ˌrüt 

-ˌru̇t

1

: any of several plants of warm regions of Central and South America with starchy roots

2

: an edible starch from the roots of an arrowroot plant

Medical Definition

arrowroot

noun

ar·​row·​root ˈar-ō-ˌrüt, ˈar-ə-, -ˌru̇t 

1

a

: any plant of the genus Maranta

especially : one (M. arundinacea) whose roots yield an easily digested edible starch

b

: any of several plants (as of the genera Zamia and Curcuma) that yield a similar starch

2

: starch yielded by an arrowroot