kernel

noun

ˈkər-nᵊl How to pronounce kernel (audio)
Definition of kernelnext
as in root
the central part or aspect of something under consideration the kernel of your argument seems to be the inevitability of human migration into space

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of kernel Mi Rancho has been making tortillas since 1939 and continues to use whole-kernel California corn, a commitment that shows in the tortillas’ fresh taste and consistently tender texture. — Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 July 2026 The vulnerability resides in KVM, which is, in essence, a virtual machine app included in the kernel of many Linux distributions. — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 8 July 2026 Two companies can use the exact same RTOS kernel and still ship completely different products. — Rajesh Subramaniam, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026 Hold the corn, tip down, in the bowl, and using a sharp knife, cut straight down between the kernels and the cob, cutting as close to the cob as possible and rotating the ear about a quarter turn after each cut. — Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for kernel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kernel
  1. root
  2. core
  3. essence
  4. heart
Noun
  • While its roots go back to Don the Beachcomber in Hollywood in the 1930s, tiki culture blossomed after World War II, when American soldiers came back from the Pacific theater with stories of tropical islands.
    — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 18 July 2026
  • Unlike a razor, which simply cuts hair at the surface, an epilator removes it from the root by mechanically plucking multiple hairs at once.
    — Iman Balagam, Vogue, 17 July 2026
Definition of root
Noun
  • The core interest aside from this being the final of a six-week long competition that only happens every four years is the country of Messi’s birth taking on the country that raised him.
    — James Horncastle, New York Times, 19 July 2026
  • Since the brain needs to drop its core temperature by roughly a degree to descend into deep sleep, a bedroom temperature of around 65-67 degrees Fahrenheit will help.
    — Gavin Escott, USA Today, 18 July 2026
Definition of core
Noun
  • That never crossed my mind before, but now in 2026, our reggaeton, our essence and our sound has become important in Mexico and even more so on a Latino level.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2026
  • But that all seems to funnel into these six tracks, mixing momentum and wisdom to arrive at the essence of the pedal steel—extreme highs, extreme lows, the expanse in between, out where life is lived.
    — Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 20 July 2026
Definition of essence
Noun
  • England went ahead of Argentina in the 55th minute of their semifinal, but Messi found another gear and set up both late goals to break England’s hearts and keep Argentina’s run alive.
    — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 18 July 2026
  • The change of heart partly hinges on Camille’s conversations with her husband, Robert, who is freaking out over what’s been happening to Juliette.
    — Noel Murray, Vulture, 17 July 2026
Definition of heart

Browse Nearby Words

kerfuffles
kernel
kernels
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Cite this Entry

“Kernel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kernel. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on kernel

Nglish: Translation of kernel for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about kernel

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