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

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

In the new work, Milton and her colleagues examined the ratio of different isotopes—forms of atoms with differing numbers of uncharged neutrons in their nucleus—of carbon, nitrogen and sulfur in maize cobs archaeologists had uncovered from the Chincha Valley. —Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 11 Feb. 2026

Motzko said rankings are of little importance anytime his team faces a foe wearing maize and blue. —Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 15 Jan. 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