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

What has that been like knowing that there are kernels of somebody’s real story in this fictional story? — Ronda Racha Penrice, HollywoodReporter, 29 Sep. 2026

Sugar brings just the right sweetness, and corn kernels—fresh or frozen—ensure each bite is loaded with corn flavor. — Martha Stewart, 24 Sep. 2026

At this point, the idea of reuniting is just a kernel, but the cameras were rolling pretty early in advance as part of the band’s LPTV YouTube channel. — Brian Welk, IndieWire, 21 Sep. 2026

The grain is smaller than wheat, for example, and farmers and researchers still are finding the best ways to adapt farm equipment so the kernel isn’t damaged during harvest. — Joshua A. Bickel, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 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