roasting ear

noun

1. an ear of sweet corn suitable for roasting while still in the husk.
2. Midland and Southern U.S. an ear of sweet corn ripe enough to be boiled and eaten on the cob.

Word History and Origins

Origin of roasting ear¹

An Americanism dating back to 1640–50

Example Sentences

Soon, thereafter, the green corn or roasting-ear came into season, and I heard no more of the scurvy.

From Project Gutenberg

When the katydid (tsĭkĭkĭ′) is heard a little later they say, “Katydid has brought the roasting-ear bread.”

From Project Gutenberg

In short, there had never before been seen, in that neighbourhood, a roasting-ear patch quite as vigorous.

From Project Gutenberg

She held out to me, in proof of her words, a blackened and unseemly roasting-ear.

From Project Gutenberg

They camped there by the creek, and they stayed until they had eaten every roasting ear.

From Project Gutenberg