corncob

[kawrn-kob]

noun

1. the elongated woody core in which the grains of an ear of corn are embedded.

2. Also called corncob pipe. a tobacco pipe with a bowl made from a corncob.

corncob

/ ˈkɔːnˌkɒb /

noun

1. the core of an ear of maize, to which kernels are attached

2. short for corncob pipe

Word History and Origins

Origin of corncob¹

An Americanism dating back to 1780–90; corn ¹ + cob ( def. )

Example Sentences

“Corn,” the opening number celebrating the miracle and many uses of this magical plant, starts things off riotously, building sensationally to a chorus line of corncobs that choreographer Sarah O’Gleby sets into zesty motion.

From Los Angeles Times

I saw the corncob Papa had been working on when the barn cat pounced, all that time ago.

From Literature

Today, kids delight in stacking candy corn in a circle, points in, to create corncob towers.

From Washington Times

“It just popped into my head: I wonder if there’s anything we could do with corncobs,” she said.

From New York Times

“Cut loose from the world,” he added, “chewing on his corncob pipe, the boy was blissfully lost in this stillwater paradise.”

From New York Times