maize

noun

: a tall annual cereal grass (Zea mays) originally domesticated in Mexico and widely grown for its large elongated ears of starchy seeds : corn entry 1 sense 4
Along with maize, their main food, the ancient Maya planted squash, beans, peppers, cacao, and other plants, all of which they used for food or medicinal purposes.Evelyn Dana Feld
But evidence has been elusive, because the standard macrofossils—say, squash rinds or maize kernels—quickly rot in the sultry climate.Kathryn Brown

Examples of maize 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.
For many Michigan Wolverine fans, especially the ones who make the trip to Indianapolis for the national championship game, their devotion to the maize and blue runs deep. Jack Springgate, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026 Elliot Cadeau came rushing over to his mom after the game, a fistful of maize-and-blue confetti clutched tight in his hand. Justin Williams, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2026 Cattle were raised, and various crops (including corn [maize] and cotton) were grown with the assistance of agronomists. Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026 The young Wolverines had already taken their leave with figurative Texas tread marks ruining their silky white, maize and blue uniforms. Cedric Golden, Austin American Statesman, 31 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for maize

Word History

Etymology

Spanish maíz, from Taino mahiz

First Known Use

circa 1544, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of maize was circa 1544

Cite this Entry

“Maize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maize. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.

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