plural corners
1
: the point or area where two lines, edges, or sides of something meet
the corner of a box/table/tablecloth
A post marks the corner of the property.
Write your name in the upper right-hand corner of the page.
He caught the ball in the corner of the end zone.
the northeast corner of the state
We sat at a table in a corner of the room.
2
a
: the place where two streets or roads meet
a street corner
The hotel is at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 59th Street.
A group of teenagers were hanging around on the corner.
He went to the grocery store around/round the corner from the bank.
b
: a curve in a road
She knew there was a gas station just around the corner. [=after the curve]
The car took the corner [=drove around the curve in the road] too fast and went off the road.
3
: the side of your mouth or eye
He said something out of the corner of his mouth to the person standing next to him.
There was a tear in the corner of her eye.
I saw something out of the corner of my eye. [=I saw something to the side of where I was looking]
4
: one of four parts of a boxing ring where the sides meet
The boxers returned to their corners when the round ended.
—often used figuratively to describe people, groups, etc., that are opposing or fighting each otherIn one corner you have the music industry, and in the other, those who want music but don't want to pay for it.
Note: Someone who gives you help and support is in your corner.
5
a
: a place that is private or secret or that few people know about or visit
They live in a quiet corner of the town.
—often used figurativelya memory that lies in some dark corner of his mind
b
: a place that is far away
His influence extends to every corner of the state.
She is famous in every corner of the world. [=throughout the world]
People came from the four corners of the earth [=from everywhere; from all over] to see the sight.
6
: a position that you cannot easily get out of : a difficult situation
The city is in a tight corner financially. [=is in a bad financial position]
The candidate backed/painted himself into a corner [=put himself in a bad position] by proposing a tax increase.
7
soccer
: corner kick
always used before a noun
: located at a corner
a corner office
We ate in a corner booth at the restaurant.
a corner shop/store
corners; cornered; cornering
1
a
: to force (a person or animal) into a place or position from which escape is very difficult or impossible
Police cornered the suspect in a backyard.
A cornered animal can be dangerous.
b
: to force (someone who wants to avoid you or get away from you) to stop and talk with you
He cornered the actress and demanded her autograph.
The interviewer cornered the politician with some probing questions.
2
: to get control of a particular type of product that is being bought and sold
—used in the phrase corner the market
They have cornered the market in wheat. = They have cornered the wheat market.
—sometimes used figurativelyHe acts as if he's cornered the market on new ideas.
3
of a vehicle
: to turn a corner
This car corners well.
Cite this Entry
“Corner.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/corner. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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