plural espartos
1
: either of two Spanish and Algerian grasses (Stipa tenacissima and Lygeum spartum) used especially to make cordage, shoes, and paper

called also esparto grass

2
: the fiber of esparto

Examples of esparto 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.
The interdisciplinary team analyzed 76 artifacts made of wood, reeds, and esparto, including basketry, cords, mats, and a wooden mallet. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 29 Sep. 2023 In the 19th century, miners in a cave in Southern Spain unearthed a prehistoric burial site containing some 22 pairs of ancient sandals woven out of esparto (a type of grass). Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 29 Sep. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, from Latin spartum, from Greek sparton — more at spire

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of esparto was in 1845

Dictionary Entries Near esparto

Cite this Entry

“Esparto.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/esparto. Accessed 24 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

esparto

noun
plural espartos
: either of two Spanish and Algerian grasses from which rope, shoes, baskets, and paper are made

called also esparto grass

More from Merriam-Webster on esparto

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!