arrowroot
noun
ar·row·root
ˈer-ō-ˌrüt 
-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
Real grasscloth wallpaper is made from natural fibers like jute, hemp, arrowroot, or seagrass, which are handwoven and backed with paper.
—
Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 July 2025
As its name suggests, this cream is infused with antioxidant-rich goji berry, black soybean, and arrowroot extracts to boost skin elasticity.
—Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 9 Oct. 2024
Kaolin clay and arrowroot powder work together to absorb any excess oil and buy you time between blowouts.
—Clare Holden, Glamour, 4 Apr. 2024
Starches Cornstarch, potato starch, arrowroot powder, and tapioca starch can all be used as egg replacements when whisked with water into a smooth paste.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 24 Aug. 2023
See All Example Sentences for arrowroot
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Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 July 2025
As its name suggests, this cream is infused with antioxidant-rich goji berry, black soybean, and arrowroot extracts to boost skin elasticity.
—Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 9 Oct. 2024
Kaolin clay and arrowroot powder work together to absorb any excess oil and buy you time between blowouts.
—Clare Holden, Glamour, 4 Apr. 2024
Starches Cornstarch, potato starch, arrowroot powder, and tapioca starch can all be used as egg replacements when whisked with water into a smooth paste.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 24 Aug. 2023
See All Example Sentences for arrowroot
Cite this Entry
“Arrowroot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/arrowroot. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
arrowroot
noun
ar·row·root
-ˌrüt
-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
ar·row·root
ˈar-ō-ˌrüt, ˈar-ə-, -ˌru̇t
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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