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

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

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Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined above

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