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popcorn

American

[pop-kawrn] / ˈpɒpˌkɔrn /

noun

any of several varieties of corn whose kernels burst open and puff out when subjected to dry heat.
popped corn.
peanut.

popcorn British

/ ˈpɒpˌkɔːn /

noun

a variety of maize having hard pointed kernels that puff up when heated
the puffed edible kernels of this plant

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of popcorn

1810–20, short for popped corn. See pop ¹, -ed ², corn ¹

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

popcorn

“I’m just here with popcorn to watch,” wrote one Reddit commenter.

From Salon ● Oct. 28, 2026

Theater operators have seen brisk sales of snacks, popcorn, and limited-edition movie themed merchandise.

From Barron's ● Oct. 26, 2026

Why spend $20 plus a $12 popcorn to see a method actor in a darkened theater when the authentic version is among us, and far more fascinating?

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 14, 2026

Come prepared for a mix of retro live-action, animated and puppetry snippets while munching on churros or popcorn.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 1, 2026

Mama gives Charlie a big kiss and hug, and tells her she can go get popcorn.

From "Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero" by Kelly J. Baptist

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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023