corncob: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to informal
Quick answer
What does “corncob” mean?
The hard, central cylindrical core of an ear of maize (corn), on which the kernels grow.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The hard, central cylindrical core of an ear of maize (corn), on which the kernels grow.
The removed core after the kernels have been eaten or stripped; also used to refer to objects (e.g., pipes, craft materials) made from this core.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is common in AmE, where 'corn' primarily means maize. In BrE, 'corn' can be a generic term for grain, but 'corncob' is still understood in the maize sense, though the context (maize/corn on the cob) is less culturally central.
Connotations
AmE: Strong associations with harvest, traditional farming, and barbecue food (corn on the cob). BrE: Less frequent, may be perceived as a specifically American or agricultural term.
Frequency
Significantly more frequent in American English due to the cultural and agricultural prominence of maize.
Grammar
How to Use “corncob” in a Sentence
verb + corncob: gnaw on a ~, use a ~, discard the ~adjective + corncob: dry ~, empty ~, discarded ~corncob + noun: ~ pipe, ~ holder, ~ mulchVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “corncob” 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
- The corncob texture was rough.
American English
- He preferred a corncob pipe for smoking.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in agricultural commodity or biomass fuel contexts.
Academic
Used in agricultural science, botany, and historical studies (e.g., traditional uses).
Everyday
Used when discussing cooking (corn on the cob), gardening compost, or craft projects.
Technical
In agriculture: as animal bedding, biomass fuel, or industrial absorbent material.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “corncob”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “corncob”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “corncob”
- Misspelling as 'corn cob' (two words); the standard is one word: 'corncob'.
- Using 'corncob' to refer to the whole edible ear of corn (that is 'corn on the cob' or just 'an ear of corn').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is standardly written as one word: 'corncob'.
'Corn on the cob' refers to the whole ear of maize, cooked and served with kernels still on. 'Corncob' typically refers specifically to the hard, inedible central core left after the kernels are removed.
No, the corncob itself is fibrous and indigestible. Only the kernels attached to it are eaten.
Historically and currently, they are used to make pipes, as a scrubbing brush, as animal bedding, as fuel, as an absorbent material, or ground up for mulch or industrial applications.
The hard, central cylindrical core of an ear of maize (corn), on which the kernels grow.
Corncob is usually neutral to informal in register.
Corncob: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɔːnkɒb/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɔːrnkɑːb/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms directly with 'corncob'. Potential simile: 'as dry as a corncob']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a king (corn) sitting on his throne, which is a hard, cylindrical COB. The CORN-KING'S-COB.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOURCE OF SUSTENANCE → WORN-OUT CORE (from full ear to discarded remains).
Practice
Quiz
In which of these contexts is 'corncob' most likely to be used?