cornstarch

noun

corn·​starch ˈkȯrn-ˌstärch How to pronounce cornstarch (audio)
: 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 Dust your counter with cornstarch and roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet while trying to keep it in a rectangular shape. Brittany Kasko, Fox News, 18 Nov. 2023 Sprinkle brown sugar, cornstarch, flour, cinnamon and salt over apples, and toss until combined. Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 18 Nov. 2023 In a bowl, whisk the chicken stock and cornstarch until the cornstarch dissolves. Sheryl Julian, BostonGlobe.com, 12 Sep. 2023 Plus, there’s no gelatin or cornstarch if these ingredients are of concern to you. Shushy Rita Setrakian Ms, Rd, Parents, 2 Aug. 2023 Prepare the pudding: Whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a heavy saucepan. Pam Lolley, Southern Living, 3 Nov. 2023 It’s made by combining cornstarch with water, then introducing enzymes that convert the starches to sugars, like glucose. Zoe Denenberg, Bon Appétit, 14 Sep. 2023 Ranch seasoning is fine like cornstarch and easily works its way between the florets, coating each tiny bud in a near-invisible, salty film. Ali Francis, Bon Appétit, 19 Oct. 2023 While swirling the pan, slowly add the reserved cornstarch mixture and cook until the sauce has thickened, about 2 minutes more. Saveur Editors, Saveur, 28 Sep. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cornstarch.' 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

1853, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cornstarch was in 1853

Dictionary Entries Near cornstarch

Cite this Entry

“Cornstarch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cornstarch. Accessed 4 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

cornstarch

noun
corn·​starch -ˌstärch How to pronounce cornstarch (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on cornstarch

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