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 cheese and cornstarch until evenly coated in a medium bowl. —Amanda Stanfield, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 2026

Evenly sprinkle the cornstarch over the top and stir again. —Mackensy Lunsford, Nashville Tennessean, 29 Dec. 2025

As the milk warms, crack two fresh, local eggs into another bowl and whisk them with a ⅓ cup of sugar and a teaspoon of cornstarch until the mixture reaches a light yellow. —Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 23 Dec. 2025

In a medium bowl stir together flour and cornstarch. —Jessica Saari Christensen, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 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