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

Stir together cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then add to broth mixture; simmer, stirring constantly, until thickened, 1 to 2 minutes. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 24 Apr. 2026

Add the cornstarch and baking powder and finish blending. —Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Apr. 2026

The green paste that usually comes with your takeout sushi is made up of horseradish, mustard, cornstarch, food coloring and some other ingredients. —Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2026

Dissolve cornstarch in water and bring it to a boil until a gel forms. —Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 17 Apr. 2026

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