Definition

A type of sorghum plant that has stiff flower clusters, which are used to make brooms and brushes.

Example

The farmer grew broomcorn to produce traditional brooms for the market.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of broomcorn?

Yeah, I think it’s used to make brooms, right?

Exactly! I read that it’s a type of sorghum, too.

That’s really interesting; I had no idea it had such a cool purpose!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Broomcorn → The word is formed from "broom" (from Old English *brōm*, meaning a type of shrub or plant used for making brooms) and "corn" (from Latin *cornu*, meaning horn or seed). Broomcorn refers to the plant used to make brooms, specifically the variety of sorghum that produces the bristles for brooms.

Memory Tip

Think of the plant used for making brooms ('broom') and the 'corn' that refers to the seed or part of the plant. This helps you remember that broomcorn is the plant used to create brooms.

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