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

In a large bowl, mix maple syrup, brown sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, cornstarch, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and salt. —Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2025

Stir in blueberries, peaches, cornstarch and lemon juice. —Erin Hooker, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 June 2025

Add flour, cornstarch, and salt; beat on low until just combined, 30 seconds to 1 minute. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 10 June 2025

For oily stains, like makeup or oil, sprinkle with cornstarch or baking soda to absorb the oil before brushing it off and applying a stain remover. —Christina Pérez, Vogue, 31 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cornstarch

• arch
• march
• starch

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