Cornish

1 of 2

adjective

Cor·​nish ˈkȯr-nish How to pronounce Cornish (audio)
: of, relating to, or characteristic of Cornwall, Cornishmen, or Cornish

Cornish

2 of 2

noun

1
: the Celtic language of Cornwall
2
: any of an English breed of domestic chickens much used in crossbreeding for meat production compare rock cornish hen

Examples of Cornish in a Sentence

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.
Noun
Birkhead also had thoughts on Cornish’s casting as the 1993 Playboy Playmate of the Year. — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 11 July 2026 The patient was James Cornish, a young man with a knife wound to the chest from a barroom brawl. — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026 Johnson’s post explaining autoimmune gastritis is a pretty good explanation of the disease, according to Cornish. — Sarah Todd, STAT, 8 July 2026 Joined by pianist Paul Cornish, bassist Philip Norris and drummer Nazir Ebo, the acclaimed saxophonist showcased the quartet’s remarkable chemistry through a set of lyrical melodies, intricate interplay and expansive improvisation. — Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for Cornish

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English Cornysshe, from Cornwaile Cornwall, England

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1547, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Cornish was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing Cornish

Rhymes for Cornish

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Browse Nearby Words

corniness
Cornish
Cornish chough
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cornish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Cornish. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

Cornish

noun
Cor·​nish
ˈkȯr-nish
: any of an English breed of sturdy compact chickens
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