fescue

noun

fes·​cue ˈfe-(ˌ)skyü 

1

: a small pointer (such as a stick) used to point out letters to children learning to read

2

: any of a genus (Festuca) of tufted perennial grasses with panicled spikelets

Examples of fescue in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For foliage, Dubow recommends blue fescue (Festuca glauca), blue agave (Agave tequilana), and Brunnera 'Jack Frost'. —Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Dec. 2024

Designers shaped the course with native plants and wildflowers like douglas iris, and sodded with drought-resistant fescue grass species. —Graham Averill, Outside Online, 24 Nov. 2024

Lawn Replacement Mix Native fescues such as Festuca idahoensis, Festuca occidentalis, and Festuca rubra make a beautiful lawn replacement that creates a meadow-like appearance. —Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 24 Oct. 2024

Cool-season grasses, such as bluegrass, fescue, and ryegrass, respond well to feeding in early September and late fall (end of October or November). —Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English festu stalk, straw, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin festucum, from Latin festuca

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing fescue

• fescue foot
• meadow fescue
• red fescue
• sheep fescue
• tall fescue

Kids Definition

fescue

noun

fes·​cue ˈfes-(ˌ)kyü 

: a tufted perennial grass