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 ( def 4c ).

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, Americanism; 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

Variety's Owen Gleiberman said that while the sequel was a "solid piece of neoclassical popcorn" it's "ultimately a mere shadow" of the original.

From BBC

And the installations continue all the way through the gift shop, which is situated between a series of photo backdrops and a food court offering concessions like popcorn and cotton candy.

From Los Angeles Times

Each year the attraction brings in about 20,000 visitors, who leave smiling too with a free bag of caramel popcorn, Ortiz said.

From Los Angeles Times

Finn supplies bigger, even more effective jump-scares than the last time, which will keep the popcorn flying.

From Los Angeles Times

“Earthquakes pop off around the state, and it’s a little bit like popcorn that they hit — sometimes they bunch up for reasons that we don’t understand,” said Susan Hough, seismologist for the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times