corn
Corn is a tall plant that produces yellow grains on a large cob, which are eaten as a vegetable or ground into flour. It is one of the most popular cereal grains in the world and is a staple food in many cultures.
Examples
3 of 5I love eating boiled corn with butter for dinner.
I love eating boiled corn with butter for dinner.
The agricultural department reports a significant increase in corn production this year.
The agricultural department reports a significant increase in corn production this year.
Pass me that bowl of corn, will you?
Pass me that bowl of corn, will you?
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the bright yellow kernels; the word 'corn' sounds like the 'core' or center of the cob.
Quick Quiz
Pass me the butter for my ____ on the cob.
Correct!
The correct answer is: corn
Examples
I love eating boiled corn with butter for dinner.
everydayI love eating boiled corn with butter for dinner.
The agricultural department reports a significant increase in corn production this year.
formalThe agricultural department reports a significant increase in corn production this year.
Pass me that bowl of corn, will you?
informalPass me that bowl of corn, will you?
Corn is a primary ingredient in many processed food products across North America.
academicCorn is a primary ingredient in many processed food products across North America.
The global corn market is experiencing price fluctuations due to the drought.
businessThe global corn market is experiencing price fluctuations due to the drought.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
corn on the cob
corn served on its central cylinder
corny joke
a joke that is silly or old-fashioned
corn belt
the region in the US where corn is a major crop
Often Confused With
Maize is the technical or British term, while corn is the common American term for the same plant.
Grain is a general category for all cereal crops; corn is one specific type of grain.
Usage Notes
In American English, 'corn' specifically refers to maize. In British English, 'corn' can historically refer to any cereal crop like wheat or barley, though 'sweetcorn' is used for the yellow food.
Common Mistakes
Avoid using 'corns' as a plural when talking about the food; it is usually uncountable when referring to the grain itself.
Memory Tip
Think of the bright yellow kernels; the word 'corn' sounds like the 'core' or center of the cob.
Word Origin
From Old English 'corn', originally meaning any small hard seed or grain.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
Corn is a staple of indigenous American diets and is central to holidays like Thanksgiving in the United States.
Quick Quiz
Pass me the butter for my ____ on the cob.
Correct!
The correct answer is: corn
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
More Food words
rice
A1Rice is a small, hard grain that comes from a grass plant and is used as a staple food. It is usually boiled or steamed to make it soft and edible, and it is a major food source for much of the world's population.
cereal
A1Cereal is a food made from grain, such as wheat, corn, or oats, that is usually eaten for breakfast. It is typically served in a bowl and mixed with milk or yogurt.
yogurt
A1Yogurt is a soft, creamy food made from milk that has been fermented with healthy bacteria. It is commonly eaten as a snack or breakfast food and can be found in many flavors like strawberry or vanilla.
cream
A1Cream is the thick, fatty part of milk that rises to the top or is separated by a machine. It is commonly used in cooking, baking, and as a rich addition to beverages like coffee.
snack
A1A snack is a small amount of food eaten between main meals such as breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It is typically something quick to prepare and easy to consume when you feel a little hungry.
cup
A1A small, open container used for drinking liquids, usually featuring a handle. It can also refer to a specific unit of measurement used in cooking and baking.
glass
A1A container made of glass, without a handle, used for drinking liquids. It also refers to the hard, clear, breakable material used to make windows and bottles.
fork
A1A tool with a handle and several narrow metal points used for picking up and eating food. It is one of the most common utensils found in a kitchen or restaurant setting.
spoon
A1A kitchen tool with a shallow bowl at the end of a handle, used for eating, stirring, or serving food. It is most commonly used for liquids like soup or small foods like rice and cereal.
waiter
A1A person, usually a man, who works in a restaurant and serves food and drinks to customers at their tables. They take orders, answer questions about the menu, and provide the bill at the end of the meal.
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