hemp

noun

1
a
: a tall widely cultivated Asian herb (Cannabis sativa of the family Cannabaceae, the hemp family) that is cultivated for its tough bast fiber and edible seeds and oil and that is often separated into a tall loosely branched species (C. sativa) and a low-growing densely branched species (C. indica)

Note: Cultivated hemp is often distinguished from cannabis by possessing very low levels of the psychoactive substance THC.

b
: the fiber of hemp
hemp can produce superb paper and construction materials lighter and stronger than lumber.Ted Williams
often used before another noun
hemp rope
a hemp shirt
c
: marijuana
also : hashish
2
: a fiber (such as jute) from a plant other than the true hemp
also : a plant yielding such fiber

Examples of hemp 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.
An agricultural hemp law passed in 2019 by the Texas Legislature was widely attributed to the state's surging THC industry. Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025 If and when the Johnson administration returns with a proposal to make its hemp dreams reality, aldermen should reject it in the name of protecting Chicago’s kids. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2025 Woes for grows Luke Wilson has grown hemp in Sutter County since it became allowed, including about 100 acres last year. Jake Goodrick, Sacramento Bee, 30 Jan. 2025 As customers grow more accustomed to a constant drumbeat of extraordinary claims of potency, exclusivity and medicinal usefulness — coupled to a significant expectancy bias — the road ahead for the cannabis and hemp industry(ies) meets with a few immediate challenges. Jahan Marcu, Rolling Stone, 29 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for hemp 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English hænep; akin to Old High German hanaf hemp, Greek kannabis

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of hemp was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near hemp

Cite this Entry

“Hemp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hemp. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

hemp

noun
1
: a tall Asian herb widely grown for its tough woody fiber that is used to make rope and for its flowers and leaves from which are obtained various drugs (as hashish and marijuana) that affect the mind or behavior
2
: the fiber of hemp

Medical Definition

hemp

noun
1
: a tall widely cultivated Asian herb of the genus Cannabis (C. sativa) that is cultivated for its strong woody fiber and edible seeds and oil and that is often separated into a tall loosely branched species (C. sativa) and a low-growing densely branched species (C. indica)

Note: Cultivated hemp is often distinguished from cannabis by possessing very low levels of the psychoactive substance THC.

2
: the fiber of hemp
3

More from Merriam-Webster on hemp

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