kernel

noun

ker·​nel ˈkər-nᵊl How to pronounce kernel (audio)
Synonyms of kernelnext
1
: the inner softer part of a seed, fruit stone, or nut
… as brown in hue as hazelnuts, and sweeter than the kernels.—William Shakespeare
2
: a whole seed of a cereal
a kernel of corn
3
: a central or essential part : germ
Like many stereotypes … this one too contains some kernels of truth.—S. M. Lyman
4
chiefly dialectal : a fruit seed
5
mathematics : a subset of the elements of one set (such as a group) that a function (such as a homomorphism) maps onto an identity element of another set

Synonyms of kernel

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Examples of kernel in a Sentence

There's not a kernel of truth in what they say. the kernel of your argument seems to be the inevitability of human migration into space
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
To double-check that the corn is ready, use a sharp knife to poke the kernels. — Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 30 Aug. 2026 Adults is almost always at its best when there’s a method to the madness, a kernel of earnestness at the heart of it all. — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026 Linux password file retrieved The researchers demonstrated the threat on an AMD computer running a current Linux kernel. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026 To eat it, remove the husk and silk, rinse the cob well under cool running water, and then taste a kernel. — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for kernel

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English cyrnel, diminutive of corn

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Time Traveler
The first known use of kernel was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing kernel

Rhymes for kernel

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Browse Nearby Words

Kern
kernel
kerneled
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Cite this Entry

“Kernel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kernel. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

kernel

noun
ker·​nel ˈkərn-ᵊl How to pronounce kernel (audio)
1
a
: the inner softer part of a seed, fruit stone, or nut
b
: a whole grain or seed of a cereal (as wheat or corn)
2
: a central or basic part
a kernel of truth in what they say

More from Merriam-Webster on kernel

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about kernel

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