maize

noun

ˈmāz 

: a tall annual cereal grass (Zea mays) originally domesticated in Mexico and widely grown for its large elongated ears of starchy seeds : corn entry 1 sense 4

Along with maize, their main food, the ancient Maya planted squash, beans, peppers, cacao, and other plants, all of which they used for food or medicinal purposes.

—Evelyn Dana Feld

But evidence has been elusive, because the standard macrofossils—say, squash rinds or maize kernels—quickly rot in the sultry climate.

—Kathryn Brown

Examples of maize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Brazil imports around 85% of its fertilizer, making its soybean and maize production highly dependent on global supply chains. —Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 12 Mar. 2026

His fresh black corn tostadas are made with maize from Michoacán, passed through a grinder instead of a molino. —Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026

Bananas are also considered the fourth most important food crop in the world, following wheat, rice, and maize. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 19 Feb. 2026

Structured wool and felt tunic dresses and quilted coat-like bubble skirts commanded attention in shades of earthy russet, maize yellow, lacquered crimson and dusty mint green. —Anika Reed, USA Today, 18 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Spanish maíz, from Taino mahiz

First Known Use

circa 1544, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for maize

• baize
• bays
• blase
• blaze
• braes
• braze
• chaise
• claes
• clays
• craze
• dais
• days

Kids Definition

maize

noun

ˈmāz 

1

: corn entry 1 sense 1

2

corn entry 1 sense 2

3

corn entry 1 sense 3