popcorn

American  

[pop-kawrn] / ˈpɒpˌkɔrn /

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.

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popcorn British  

/ ˈpɒpˌkɔːn /

noun

1. a variety of maize having hard pointed kernels that puff up when heated

2. the puffed edible kernels of this plant

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Etymology

Origin of popcorn

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

Example Sentences

The beneficiaries, he predicted, will be mainstream "popcorn movies": "You don't need to think. There's no creative. That's just calculation."

From Barron's • Jun. 19, 2026

So I’ll be watching with popcorn in hand for more subtle clues about which direction this chief will take the central bank: How transparent will Warsh be compared with his predecessor?

From MarketWatch • Jun. 16, 2026

Back in 1977, Spielberg’s “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” was a popcorn masterpiece of withheld information.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026

The Japanese player said she did not know if that blockbuster match would be under consideration for the night session, but added she felt the slot was reserved for "popcorn matches".

From BBC • May 30, 2026

I sigh, while Emily grabs a handful of caramel popcorn from one of the bowls sitting on the sheet spread over Soojin’s carpet.

From "Amina's Song" by Hena Khan