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

A Sydney man who tried to post native lizards, dragons and other reptiles out of Australia in bags of popcorn and biscuit tins has been sentenced to eight years in jail, authorities said Tuesday.

From Barron's

Adjusted for today’s dollars, “the popcorn man would be earning $70,000 a year, and the taxes were almost nonexistent at that time.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Brontë fans have also accused the director of reducing a complex work rife with social critique into a popcorn romance.

From Los Angeles Times

I don’t want Aunt Melissa to think I’m an irresponsible babysitter, so I choose a bag of cheddar popcorn.

From Literature

He could even smell popcorn wafting on the breeze from the theaters in Times Square a few blocks away.

From Literature