cornrow

noun

corn·​row ˈkȯrn-ˌrō How to pronounce cornrow (audio)
1
: a section of hair which is braided usually flat to the scalp
2
: a hairstyle in which the hair is divided into cornrow sections arranged in rows
cornrow verb

Examples of cornrow in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The 70s were all about braids– cornrows and sculptural looks alike. India Espy-Jones, Essence, 29 Sep. 2023 The Black woman has straight back cornrows, a hairstyle steeped in Black culture, with natural makeup to symbolize the innate beauty of Africans. India Espy-Jones, Essence, 8 Aug. 2023 Straight back cornrows have unfortunately become the default hairstyle for Black models, largely due to the lack of proper training and understanding among hairstylists in caring for textured hair. India Espy-Jones, Essence, 2 Aug. 2023 In 2017, Ken was reimagined with 15 new looks — dolls that take various shades and shapes; dolls that are vegan, wear cornrows or have 20/40 vision. Anne Branigin, Washington Post, 15 July 2023 Those tiny braids start as cornrows right at the crown of her head, and transition at the temples into big curls that match the rest of her hair. Gabi Thorne, Allure, 22 Feb. 2023 Each cornrow was braided together into one medium-sized plait that fell right in front of her ears with the tips nearly touching the waistband of her pants. Gabi Thorne, Allure, 22 June 2023 The denial of employment or educational opportunities due to discrimination based on natural and protective hairstyles, such as Afros, cornrows or dreadlocks, will be prohibited in Michigan under legislation signed Thursday by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. CBS News, 15 June 2023 Anik was sporting cornrows and an unbuttoned short-sleeve shirt; his father wore pointed slippers, a white kurta and a green shawl with golden trim. Alex Traub, New York Times, 14 June 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cornrow.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cornrow was in 1946

Dictionary Entries Near cornrow

Cite this Entry

“Cornrow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cornrow. Accessed 4 Oct. 2023.

More from Merriam-Webster on cornrow

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!