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

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then place them in a bowl and add the cornstarch, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. — Carole Kotkin, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2026

Baking powder contains baking soda plus another acid in powdered form, usually cream of tartar, and a stabilizer, like cornstarch. — Patricia S York, Southern Living, 9 Sep. 2026

In a large bowl, combine both berries, 3/4 cup sugar, cornstarch, and salt. — ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026

There’s no reputable research showing that dry cornstarch reliably disrupts ant pheromone trails in real-world garden conditions. — Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Aug. 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