chickweed

noun

chick·​weed ˈchik-ˌwēd How to pronounce chickweed (audio)
: any of various low-growing small-leaved weedy plants of the pink family (especially genera Cerastium and Stellaria)
especially : a cosmopolitan weed (Stellaria media) naturalized in the U.S. from Eurasia

Illustration of chickweed

Illustration of chickweed

Examples of chickweed in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The lightweight formula combines hyaluronic acid to quench thirsty skin, niacinamide to smooth and brighten, and the brand’s signature herbal blend—featuring ingredients like oat, calendula, and chickweed—to keep skin feeling fresh and comfortably hydrated. Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 27 May 2026 In the fall, apply pre-emergent to control winter weeds like chickweed, annual bluegrass, and henbit. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 28 Apr. 2026 Weeds such as bedstraw, thistle, rescue grass, henbit, chickweed, and annual bluegrass are everywhere. Calvin Finch, San Antonio Express-News, 28 Apr. 2026 Several chickweed species grow in Maryland, but those found in a lawn or garden bed are usually non-native. Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 24 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for chickweed

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chickweed was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Chickweed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chickweed. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

chickweed

noun
chick·​weed ˈchik-ˌwēd How to pronounce chickweed (audio)
: any of several low-growing small-leaved weedy plants related to the pinks

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