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 The state Legislature could still consider policy over products derived from hemp this year. Madeline Nguyen, The Arizona Republic, 18 Mar. 2024 It is made with U.S.-grown hemp and is third-party lab tested for purity and potency. Nick Mourtoupalas, Washington Post, 11 Mar. 2024 The play off hemp for the billboards dissing Tampa Bay and Florida came because hemp products (which are legally defined as a cannabis plant that contains 0.3% or less of THC) are commonly used in states that haven't legalized recreational marijuana. Detroit Free Press, 20 Jan. 2024 Business owners warn the legislation will effectively dismantle the hemp industry, causing thousands of Floridians to lose their jobs. Romy Ellenbogen, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2024 What should Congress’ next steps be in dealing with climate issues? Congress needs to invest in the industrial hemp industry to create hemp biofuel and hemp oil to completely replace fossil fuels and plastics. Gillian Brassil, Sacramento Bee, 5 Feb. 2024 The origin of the hemp can impact the quality of the final product. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 21 Oct. 2023 But spokesperson Steve Walker said the office has previously prosecuted — and is currently prosecuting — shops that sell products as hemp that in fact contain a THC percentage higher than the 0.3 percent that is permitted. Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Oct. 2023 But business owners have decried the legislation, saying the restrictions are overly broad and could effectively dismantle much of Florida’s hemp industry. Romy Ellenbogen, Miami Herald, 16 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hemp.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 29 Mar. 2024.

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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