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 fancy buckets are expensive to produce, but Cinemark considers them worthwhile because they augment popcorn and soda sales, he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026

He said he always had an entrepreneurial flair, selling bubblegum and popcorn from his Samsonite briefcase at Jamaica High School.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

The package also includes comfortable box seating and light snacks like popcorn and macarons, plus the welcome perk of skipping the long entry lines.

From Salon • Mar. 7, 2026

Howe-Douglas added on Instagram: "You're going to need popcorn."

From BBC • Feb. 27, 2026

Most of the snacks Soojin put out are foods Emily’s orthodontist says she should avoid because of her new braces: chips, gummy candies, popcorn.

From "Amina's Song" by Hena Khan