kernel

noun

ker·​nel ˈkər-nᵊl How to pronounce kernel (audio)
1
: the inner softer part of a seed, fruit stone, or nut
… as brown in hue as hazelnuts, and sweeter than the kernels.William Shakespeare
2
: a whole seed of a cereal
a kernel of corn
3
: a central or essential part : germ
like many stereotypes … this one too contains some kernels of truthS. M. Lyman
4
chiefly dialectal : a fruit seed
5
mathematics : a subset of the elements of one set (such as a group) that a function (such as a homomorphism) maps onto an identity element of another set

Example Sentences

There's not a kernel of truth in what they say. the kernel of your argument seems to be the inevitability of human migration into space
Recent Examples on the Web For example, Meta is embracing Rust and Linux is adding support for the language in its kernel. IEEE Spectrum, 20 Mar. 2023 Those critics are off base, but a kernel of their point is true. Michael Shapiro, Chron, 3 Mar. 2023 Debating the relative hotness of celebrities is an enduring adolescent pastime—and sometimes the kernel of a 30-year-old web giant. WIRED, 21 Feb. 2023 That kernel of popcorn that got stuck in your teeth at the movies could come back to haunt you. Rachel Swalin, Health, 3 Feb. 2023 As the kernel heats up, the water inside the endosperm turns into superheated steam, increasing the pressure inside the pericarp. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 27 Dec. 2022 Some claims about those who’ve suffered heart issues also weaponize a kernel of truth — that COVID-19 vaccines can cause rare heart inflammation issues, myocarditis or pericarditis, especially in young men. Angelo Fichera, BostonGlobe.com, 4 Feb. 2023 Some claims about those who’ve suffered heart issues also weaponize a kernel of truth — that COVID-19 vaccines can cause rare heart inflammation issues, myocarditis or pericarditis, especially in young men. Angelo Fichera, Fortune, 4 Feb. 2023 Some claims about those who’ve suffered heart issues also weaponize a kernel of truth — that COVID-19 vaccines can cause rare heart inflammation issues, myocarditis or pericarditis, especially in young men. Ali Swenson And Angelo Fichera, Anchorage Daily News, 4 Feb. 2023 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'kernel.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English cyrnel, diminutive of corn

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Time Traveler
The first known use of kernel was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near kernel

Cite this Entry

“Kernel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kernel. Accessed 25 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

kernel

noun
ker·​nel ˈkərn-ᵊl How to pronounce kernel (audio)
1
a
: the inner softer part of a seed, fruit stone, or nut
b
: a whole grain or seed of a cereal (as wheat or corn)
2
: a central or basic part
a kernel of truth in what they say

More from Merriam-Webster on kernel

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!


What Did You Just Call Me?

  • brown chihuahua sitting on the floor with squinting eyes looking at the camera
  • Before we went to her house, Hannah told us her aunt was a flibbertigibbet.
Name That Thing

You know what it looks like… but what is it called?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can with using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.

Can you make 12 words with 7 letters?

PLAY