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

Many brands are moving away from talc products and instead formulating with alternatives that can provide the same blurring, anti-caking action like cornstarch, rice starch, mica and silica without the cancer risk. —Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 11 Dec. 2025

Start by tossing grated Gruyère with some cornstarch—a classic move that stabilizes the sauce without having to make a roux. —Nina Moskowitz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 11 Dec. 2025

Leave the cornstarch for 30 minutes for light cleaning or for several hours to overnight to eliminate strong odors. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 Dec. 2025

Toss tofu with cornstarch mixture. —Bethany Thayer, Freep.com, 6 Dec. 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