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.

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, 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

He reaches behind himself to grab a bag of popcorn, and scoffs when he finds the bag empty.

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Surely the secret decoder ring would be a more thrilling prize to find inside the box than yet another uninteresting sticker, but either way, one can still enjoy the popcorn.

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Besides, his mother looked so tired, even right now, as she placed a bag of popcorn in the microwave.

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At the movies, sometimes the Colored children would demonstrate their displeasure by throwing pieces of popcorn over the railing onto the White people sitting below.

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At one point all of the magicians spontaneously do a show for one another, each of them taking part in a can-you-top-this series of illusions strung as close together as popcorn on a string.

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