popcorn

1 of 2

noun

pop·​corn ˈpäp-ˌkȯrn How to pronounce popcorn (audio)
: corn (Zea mays everta synonym Z. mays praecox) having kernels that upon exposure to heat burst open to form a white starchy mass
also : the kernels especially after popping

popcorn

2 of 2

adjective

: having widespread appeal but usually offering little artistic merit or intellectual stimulation
popcorn movies

Examples of popcorn in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Beverage pairings, beer, wine and other beverages as well as popcorn and candy are a la carte. Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 2 Apr. 2024 To make the viewing experience even better, Marcus said Kwik Trip will let guests bring their own popcorn. Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2024 Refreshments include lemonade, coffee, popcorn and cookies. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Mar. 2024 Here’s the best method to easily make perfect microwave popcorn at home. Maryal Miller Carter, USA TODAY, 8 Mar. 2024 Menu items at Caliente Grill include hot dogs, chili dogs, nachos with cheese, chili nachos, cheeseburgers, popcorn, peanuts, cookies, sodas and water. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 25 Mar. 2024 The afternoon’s entertainment had arrived: a bouncy slide, along with food carts offering ice cream, hot chocolate, popcorn, cotton candy, and falafel. Eliza Griswold, The New Yorker, 21 Mar. 2024 Great for large groups, this popcorn maker can produce up to one gallon of popcorn per batch. Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Mar. 2024 Be sure to check out the rest of SELF's 2024 Pantry Award winners: Find our favorite elevated pantry staples here, and the most snackable chips, crackers, bars, pretzels, and popcorn here. Sara Coughlin, SELF, 13 Mar. 2024
Adjective
My favorite food is popcorn. Dalton Ross, EW.com, 1 July 2021 Who knew the secrets to an angelic glow were popcorn and clay face masks? Olivia Evans, Women's Health, 31 Jan. 2023 From the robust showing of popcorn movies to the recognition of some of the most respected stars of the past four decades to the embrace of new faces, this year’s nominations offer something for everyone. Clayton Davis, Variety, 26 Jan. 2023 The brand also boasts multiple additional sizes in its collection for those who want even more popcorn. Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2023 Sticky rollers can also be used to remove dust and cobwebs from a popcorn ceiling. Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Oct. 2022 Concessions, such as popcorn, hot dogs and sweets, will not be sold, though. Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Sep. 2022 In an entertaining, popcorn-movie package, of course. Benjamin Vanhoose, Peoplemag, 26 Aug. 2022 Maybe there's a popcorn bowl on the coffee table begging to be emptied. Kaitlin Marks, EW.com, 28 July 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'popcorn.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1823, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1950, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of popcorn was in 1823

Dictionary Entries Near popcorn

Cite this Entry

“Popcorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/popcorn. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

popcorn

noun
pop·​corn
ˈpäp-ˌkȯ(ə)rn
: corn with kernels that burst open to form a white starchy mass when heated
also : the popped kernels

More from Merriam-Webster on popcorn

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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