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.

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, 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

Beyond water ice, they offer popcorn, soft serve, and the Motown Twist — a playful combo of soft serve and water ice.

From Salon

But the franchises they care about are not the traditional Hollywood popcorn fare.

From Los Angeles Times

Armed with a shovel and a pair of gloves, he began searching through rotting grass clippings and food scraps on 15 August for traces of the movie theatre popcorn.

From BBC

I love going to the movies, to the cinema, because no-one goes to the cinema, so it's nice to be in a cinema on your own… popcorn!

From BBC

After three hours of superhuman justice, humour, romance, and vengeance, cinemas are littered with popcorn like confetti, and fans spill into the streets, whooping with cathartic delight.

From BBC