pop·corn
ˈpäp-ˌkȯrn 
: corn (Zea mays var. 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
1
: being or consisting of bite-size pieces of food that are typically breaded or battered and fried
popcorn chicken/shrimp
… I am easily swayed by the popcorn cauliflower ($9). Lightly battered and fried crisp, the cauliflower is perfectly tender and not at all heavy.—
Kathy Jollimore
Kathy Jollimore2
: having widespread appeal but usually offering little artistic merit or intellectual stimulation
popcorn movies
popcorn entertainment
Examples of popcorn in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Simon Thompson, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
Exhibitors in general are upgrading theaters, adding liquor, fancy food, themed popcorn buckets and large-screen formats that can play as well with some independent films as with studio fare.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 23 Jan. 2025
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
See all Example Sentences for popcorn 
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Noun
In addition to traditional promotional items such as imposing standees in movie theater lobbies and themed popcorn buckets, fans of the film can shell out $20,000 to buy a full-size replica sarcophagus bed.
—Simon Thompson, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
Exhibitors in general are upgrading theaters, adding liquor, fancy food, themed popcorn buckets and large-screen formats that can play as well with some independent films as with studio fare.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 23 Jan. 2025
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
See all Example Sentences for popcorn
Dictionary Entries Near popcorn
Cite this Entry
“Popcorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/popcorn. Accessed 27 Jan. 2025.
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