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

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

Every living branch and twig of the human family tree had shot up from this mitochondrial Eve and spread like kudzu over the face of the globe, binding all humans in an intimate web of relatedness. —James Shreeve, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2019

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.