arrowroot

noun

ar·​row·​root ˈer-ō-ˌrüt How to pronounce arrowroot (audio)
-ˌru̇t
ˈer-ə-
ˈa-rō-
ˈa-rə-
plural arrowroots
1
a
: any of a genus (Maranta of the family Marantaceae, the arrowroot or prayer plant family) of tropical American plants that typically have tuberous roots : maranta
especially : one (M. arundinacea) whose roots yield an easily digested edible starch
b
: any of several plants (such as coontie) that yield starch
2
: starch yielded by an arrowroot

Examples of arrowroot 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.
If arrowroot biscuits are in your pantry, check the batch codes to see whether your product is included in the recall. Sarah Scott, Parents, 29 Jan. 2026 Gerber is recalling some of its arrowroot biscuits over potential contamination of soft plastic and paper pieces, the Food and Drug Administration announced Wednesday. Kiki Intarasuwan, CBS News, 28 Jan. 2026 The company announced the voluntary recall of limited batches of arrowroot biscuits in a news release on Monday, Jan. 26. Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 28 Jan. 2026 The first ingredient is the main veggie (broccoli, spinach, or sweet potato), then potatoes, onions, potato flakes, canola oil or sunflower oil, egg whites, arrowroot powder, salt, and garlic. Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 30 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for arrowroot

Word History

First Known Use

1681, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of arrowroot was in 1681

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Arrowroot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/arrowroot. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

arrowroot

noun
ar·​row·​root -ˌrüt How to pronounce arrowroot (audio)
-ˌru̇t
1
: any of several plants of warm regions of Central and South America with starchy roots
2
: an edible starch from the roots of an arrowroot plant

Medical Definition

arrowroot

noun
1
a
: any plant of the genus Maranta
especially : one (M. arundinacea) whose roots yield an easily digested edible starch
b
: any of several plants (as of the genera Zamia and Curcuma) that yield a similar starch
2
: starch yielded by an arrowroot

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