kudzu

noun

kud·​zu ˈku̇d-(ˌ)zü  ˈkəd- 

: a fast-growing Asian vine (Pueraria montana) of the legume family that is used for forage and erosion control and is often a serious weed in the southeastern U.S.

Examples of kudzu in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Fake words creeping like kudzu into scientific papers and dating profiles and e-mails and text messages and news outlets and social feeds and job listings and job applications. —Jia Tolentino, New Yorker, 3 May 2025

Invasive, non-native vines, like kudzu and oriental bittersweet, have given vining plants a bad reputation. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Oct. 2024

According to a press release, the company has plans to grow as fast as kudzu. —Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 22 Oct. 2024

Inside, the minimalist lobby doubles as a gallery, and the in-house restaurant, The Hive, is dripping with sculptures of glowing honeycombs, kudzu vines, and swarms of bees. —Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 2 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Japanese kuzu

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

kudzu

noun

kud·​zu ˈku̇d-zü 

: a fast-growing trailing Asian vine that is related to the pea, is grown for grazing and for erosion control, and is often a serious weed in the southeastern U.S.