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

Wishart knew this was more than a kernel of an idea and Dawson already had plenty footage, but funding was tricky to come by. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 27 Oct. 2026

There's a kernel of truth to it; Ohtani was clearly limited by several injuries down the stretch, with a lengthy slump accompanying an increase in chase rate and swing and miss. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Each tiny fuel kernel is surrounded by multiple layers designed to contain radioactive fission products. — Muskan Bhatia, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026

The kernels also give you more control over how to prepare the popcorn. — Vanessa Caceres, Verywell Health, 13 Oct. 2026

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