Indian corn

noun

1
: a tall widely cultivated American cereal grass (Zea mays) bearing seeds on elongated ears : corn sense 4a
2
: the ears of Indian corn
also : its edible seeds
3
: corn having hard kernels of various colors (such as reddish brown, dark purple, and yellow) that is typically used for ornamental purposes

Examples of Indian corn in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Set a festive tone with a string of Indian corn garland. Savanna Bous, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Sep. 2025 Chickpea flour acts as a flavorful binder in these Indian corn fritters from British Indian chef Romy Gill, whose promotion of West Bengali cuisine has earned her status as a Member of the Order of the British Empire. Romy Gill, Saveur, 24 July 2024 Dent grew wheat, Indian corn, oats and Irish potatoes. John Reeves, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Dec. 2023 Assortment of pumpkins, gourds and Indian corn from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Oct. 31 at 842 Highway 78. San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Oct. 2022 Mums, gourds, corn stalks, flowering cabbage and kale, and Indian corn. Luann Gibbs, The Enquirer, 7 Oct. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1604, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Indian corn was in 1604

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Cite this Entry

“Indian corn.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Indian%20corn. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

Indian corn

noun
1
2
3
4
: corn that is of a variety having seeds of various colors (as reddish brown, dark purple, and yellow) and is typically used for ornamental purposes

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