popcorn

[ pop-kawrn ]

noun

1. any of several varieties of corn whose kernels burst open and puff out when subjected to dry heat.
2. popped corn.
3. peanut ( def 4c ).

popcorn

/ ˈpɒpˌkɔːn /

noun

1. a variety of maize having hard pointed kernels that puff up when heated
2. the puffed edible kernels of this plant

Word History and Origins

Origin of popcorn¹

1810–20, Americanism; short for popped corn. See pop ¹, -ed ², corn ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of popcorn¹

C19: so called because of the noise the grains make when they swell up and burst on heating

Example Sentences

Our 17-year-old watched mostly because we had the popcorn, but did not enjoy the show in any dimension, save for the clothes.

From Washington Post

Pre-programmed settings can heat popular products quickly or provide a targeted amount of time to cook through frozen foods thoroughly, the most common being the popcorn and defrost settings.

From Popular-Science

Conagra Brands on Thursday forecast current-quarter profit above Wall Street estimates, betting that demand for its frozen dinners, cake mixes and gourmet popcorns will continue as the coronavirus crisis lingers.

From Washington Post

I doubt I’ll make any Bake Off-style showstoppers any time soon, but they’re just as enjoyable with popcorn.

From Eater

As soon as we walked in, I eyed a table topped with flavored popcorn and started plotting.

From Washington Post

When his success was finally projected for the crowd—a 58 to 40 win—the crowd roared, popcorn spilling onto the floor.

From The Daily Beast

But more important than the pass-the-popcorn appeal is what a Lewis vs. Rahm race would offer voters: an actual choice.

From The Daily Beast

If your friends want to go throw popcorn at the screen, find new friends.

From The Daily Beast

At dinner time we gathered around an inside campfire fueled by corn cobs and ate popcorn.

From The Daily Beast

But no, they picked a medication that would make every doctor, nurse, and pharmacist in the audience choke on their popcorn.

From The Daily Beast

There was a toy balloon, a beetle that ran all over the room in a life-like manner, a jumping jack, and some popcorn balls.

From Project Gutenberg

A very handy device for shelling corn, and especially popcorn, can be made of a 1-in.

From Project Gutenberg

Supper, lettuce, dates, and a dish of popcorn flavored with peanut butter.

From Project Gutenberg

Boil sugar or syrup with butter and water until it spins a long thread; pour this on popcorn and if desired shape into balls.

From Project Gutenberg

The microwave -- which always reeked of popcorn and spilled soup -- was right in there, on top of the miniature fridge.

From Project Gutenberg