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

They spent a lot of their time together watching movies, sharing popcorn and then discussing what worked and didn’t in the films.

From Los Angeles Times

So, grab your bucket of popcorn, drink a cup of coffee and tune in.

From Los Angeles Times

For people who really need a hot meal, the office microwave just doesn’t cut it — no one wants their pho coming out smelling like popcorn and old pasta sauce.

From Salon

Beyond water ice, they offer popcorn, soft serve, and the Motown Twist — a playful combo of soft serve and water ice.

From Salon

But the franchises they care about are not the traditional Hollywood popcorn fare.

From Los Angeles Times