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

See Examples For:

popcorn

But finding a popcorn movie that could entertain beyond nostalgia alone was rare.

From Salon ● Aug. 20, 2026

Certainly, I felt a bit like Odysseus as I crept — drained, disoriented and trailing popcorn crumbs like Ithican sand — out into the sun.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 24, 2026

"They each have a bowl of popcorn and treats and we move the sofas into two rows so it's like a cinema."

From BBC ● Jul. 24, 2026

The ‘Odyssey’ horse that inspired a $70 plastic popcorn holder.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 21, 2026

“Class, I wish we had more time,” said Miss K, as her pupils crunched popcorn and scrambled for their wraps.

From "Ralph S. Mouse" by Beverly Cleary