noun
cornstarch
KORN-stahrch
Cornstarch (noun) means In American English, a very fine starch powder made from corn and used in cooking as a thickener or to stop food sticking. Example: “Whisk the cornstarch into cold water before adding it to the pan.”
noun
1
American In American English, a very fine starch powder made from corn and used in cooking as a thickener or to stop food sticking.
"Whisk the cornstarch into cold water before adding it to the pan."
"The recipe uses cornstarch to give the sauce a glossy finish."
"Toss the wings in cornstarch before frying for a crisp coating."
How to use cornstarch
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishCornstarch is the American name for the fine starch powder used to thicken sauces and gravies.
When to use it
Cornstarch is standard American English; British English uses cornflour instead.
Memory tip
If an American recipe calls for cornstarch, it is the same ingredient a British recipe calls cornflour.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
mix with cornstarch
thicken with cornstarch
a tablespoon of cornstarch
cornstarch slurry
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Fill the gap
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Whisk the _____ into cold water before adding it to the pan.
Etymology
Cornstarch is a straightforward combination of corn and starch.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What is cornstarch used for?
It is used in cooking as a thickener for sauces, gravies and desserts, and to stop foods sticking together.
Is cornstarch the same as cornflour?
Yes, cornstarch is the American English term for what is called cornflour in British English.
Can cornstarch be used for baking?
The grounding used here only describes cornstarch as a cooking thickener and anti-caking agent, so no baking use can be confirmed from it.
What is the meaning of cornstarch?
"cornstarch" (noun) means in American English, a very fine starch powder made from corn and used in cooking as a thickener or to stop food sticking.
