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

Place cornstarch in a shallow dish. —Holly Riordan, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Jan. 2026

Stir together cornstarch and remaining 1 tablespoon water in a small bowl until combined. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 25 Jan. 2026

Owing to this, cornstarch production also consumes vast amounts of water and relies heavily on the use of fertilizers and pesticides. —Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 24 Jan. 2026

Before adding anything to the pot, whisk together a small spoonful of powdered milk with about a teaspoon of cornstarch. —Amber Love Bond, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 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