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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Fields once filled with maize, beans and potatoes were empty. —Rachel Chason, Washington Post, 10 Nov. 2022

Opposition leader Raila Odinga is opposing the move by cabinet, which opens the doors for GMO maize, cassava, and potatoes, claiming GMO food products pose a health risk to Kenyans. —Quartz, 22 Oct. 2022

And the letter cites just one figure with maize, with corn, that there's five times the productivity in the U.S. than your average African farmer. —Mariette Dichristina, Scientific American, 30 Jan. 2015

Recent research suggests a changing climate that made growing maize difficult might have forced people to leave Cahokia. —Logan Jaffe, ProPublica, 27 Jan. 2023

Mel Tucker is the first Michigan State coach to win his first two games against Michigan in the 114-game series, continuing a stretch of success that includes 10 wins in 14 games against the maize and blue. —Tim Bielik, cleveland, 29 Oct. 2022

The maize and gold of the Midland Redskins 18U national baseball team dogpiled yet again at Ricketts Park in Farmington, New Mexico Friday night, winning their 17th Connie Mack World Series title. —Scott Springer, The Enquirer, 30 July 2022

Led by Ramona Button, an Akimel O'odham farmer, the family-run business grows and sells other traditional foods, such as wheat berries, corn and pinole, a type of roasted ground maize. —Priscilla Totiyapungprasert, The Arizona Republic, 29 July 2021

The sealed buckets are brimming with cattle range cubes or soured maize. —Matt Williams, Dallas News, 21 Nov. 2020

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Word History

Etymology

Spanish maíz, from Taino mahiz

First Known Use

circa 1544, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

maize

noun

ˈmāz 

1

: corn entry 1 sense 1

2

corn entry 1 sense 2

3

corn entry 1 sense 3