corn broom: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Specialized, Traditional, Domestic
Quick answer
What does “corn broom” mean?
A traditional broom with bristles made from the flowering tops (tassels) of sorghum plants (Sorghum bicolor), which are stiff and durable.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A traditional broom with bristles made from the flowering tops (tassels) of sorghum plants (Sorghum bicolor), which are stiff and durable.
The term can refer generally to any stiff-bristled, old-fashioned household broom, often made of natural materials, used for sweeping rough surfaces like outdoor patios or workshop floors.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The object is understood, but the specific term 'corn broom' is more common in American English. In British English, it might be described more generically as a 'stiff broom', 'yard broom', or 'hearth broom'. The material might be specified as 'bass' or 'bassine' (from palmyra plants).
Connotations
Both varieties associate it with traditional, rustic, or old-fashioned cleaning. In American English, it has a stronger association with farmhouses, porches, and historical contexts.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but higher recognition in American English, particularly in rural or historical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “corn broom” in a Sentence
[subject] sweeps [location] with a corn broom.The corn broom is used for [task/gerund].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “corn broom” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not used as a verb]
American English
- [Not used as a verb]
adverb
British English
- [Not used as an adverb]
American English
- [Not used as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- [Not standardly used as an adjective]
American English
- She preferred the corn-broom style for the cabin's aesthetic.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused.
Academic
Might appear in historical, anthropological, or material culture studies discussing domestic tools.
Everyday
Used in contexts discussing traditional cleaning methods, rustic décor, or specific cleaning tasks requiring stiff bristles.
Technical
Used in crafts or restoration work to specify tool material. May appear in horticultural or historical tool catalogs.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “corn broom”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “corn broom”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “corn broom”
- Incorrectly assuming 'corn' refers to maize. Misusing it for any modern indoor broom. Using it in contexts where a soft-bristled broom is meant.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The 'corn' in 'corn broom' refers to 'broomcorn', which is a variety of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), not maize (Zea mays).
It is best for rough surfaces like concrete patios, workshop floors, garages, or stone hearths, where its stiff bristles can effectively move coarse debris like leaves, dirt, or wood chips.
No, it is considered a traditional or specialist tool. Most modern households use brooms with synthetic bristles, which are often softer and more suitable for indoor flooring.
No, 'corn broom' is exclusively a noun. The word 'broom' alone can be used as a verb (e.g., 'to broom the path'), but this is literary or archaic.
A traditional broom with bristles made from the flowering tops (tassels) of sorghum plants (Sorghum bicolor), which are stiff and durable.
Corn broom is usually specialized, traditional, domestic in register.
Corn broom: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɔːn ˌbruːm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɔːrn ˌbruːm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specific to this term. The word 'broom' appears in idioms like 'new broom', but not specifically 'corn broom'].”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of sweeping CORN kernels off a farmhouse porch with a stiff, old-fashioned BROOM.
Conceptual Metaphor
TRADITION IS AN OLD TOOL (e.g., 'He clung to his methods like an old corn broom').
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'corn broom' primarily made from?