kernel

noun

ker·​nel ˈkər-nᵊl 

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 truth.

—S. 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

Synonyms of kernel

• root
• core
• essence
• heart

Examples of kernel in a Sentence

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

The kernels can become sticky during rainy or humid periods and plug up feeder ports. —Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Dec. 2025

The fuel, known as tri-structural isotropic (TRISO) particle fuel, is made from uranium, carbon and oxygen, formed into a small kernel. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 3 Dec. 2025

For easy removal, do it in a large bowl so the kernels don’t fly all over your counter. —Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 27 Nov. 2025

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, and sauté the corn kernels for a minute or two. —Jeffrey Steingarten, Vogue, 23 Nov. 2025

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

Phrases Containing kernel

• pine kernel

Rhymes for kernel

• colonel
• journal
• sternal
• vernal
• diurnal
• eternal
• external
• fraternal
• infernal
• internal
• maternal
• nocturnal

Kids Definition

kernel

noun

ker·​nel ˈkərn-ᵊl 

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