WordGarden.iocorner
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /kˈɔːnə/
US
- /ˈkɔrnər/
Meanings
Noun
a point or area where two edges, sides, or surfaces meet
a place where two streets meet
a corner kick or play from the corner of a sports field
Verb
to force someone or something into a place or situation with no easy escape
to go around a bend or turn
to gain control of a market or supply
Beyond the definition
A corner isn't just the sharp point where two walls meet! It can be a physical place, like the corner of a room or a street corner. It can also mean a small part of something, like a corner of the market. It also shows up in expressions: being "backed into a corner" means you feel trapped with no easy way out. Think about rounding a corner—you're changing direction and entering a new space.
As a verb, "cornering" someone means to trap them, much like a hunter might corner a wild animal. If you "cut corners," you're taking shortcuts, often sacrificing quality or safety. You might also have someone "in your corner," which means they are there to support you and speak up for you, just like a coach stands in a boxer's corner during a match.
The word "corner" has surprisingly many meanings, extending far beyond the simple angle where two surfaces meet. It refers to various physical points—the corner of a table, seeing something out of the corner of your eye, or the corner store down the street. You might stand on a corner waiting for a bus or hide around a corner while playing hide-and-seek.
Beyond the physical, "corner" describes difficult situations. To be "backed into a corner" means to be forced into a position where you have very few options left. In business, "a corner of the market" can mean a small segment or area. And to "corner the market" means to gain enough control of the supply (or trading) that you can strongly influence prices.
The verb form, "to corner," can mean to trap someone physically, but it also works figuratively to describe forcing someone into a difficult position during a conversation or debate. For example: "The journalist tried to corner the politician with a series of pointed questions."
Interestingly, the idiom "cutting corners" refers to taking shortcuts, often at the expense of quality, safety, or ethics. It implies sacrificing thoroughness for the sake of speed or cost savings. You can also say something is "around the corner" to mean it's nearby, or "just around the corner" to mean it's coming soon. Whether it's a physical location, a challenging predicament, market power, a nearby place, or a shortcut taken, "corner" is a versatile word that describes turning points, limits, and control.
Examples
- 1
Room layout
There's a small table in the corner of the room.
- 2
Street meeting
We met at the corner of Pine Street and 8th Avenue.
- 3
Street location
There's a coffee shop on the corner.
- Phraseon the corner
at the street corner
- 4
Photo damage
One corner of the photo was bent.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Nearby place
Our office is just around the corner from the library.
- Phrasearound the corner
very near
- 6
Upcoming event
The holiday season is around the corner.
- Phrasearound the corner
coming very soon
- 7
Poor workmanship
If we rush this job, we'll end up cutting corners.
- Phrasecut corners
do something too quickly or cheaply
- 8
Business recovery
After months of losses, the company is finally turning the corner.
- Phraseturn the corner
start to improve after a difficult time
- 9
Press encounter
The journalist cornered the minister in the hallway and asked about the new policy.
- Patterncorner someone
stop them so they cannot easily leave or avoid you
- 10
No escape
The questions about the budget backed him into a corner.
- Phraseback someone into a corner
leave someone with no good way out
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- cornernounverbadjective
Forms
- cornerspluralnounverbadjective
- corneredpast tenseverbnounadjective
- cornering-ing formverbnounadjective