sedge

noun

ˈsej 

: any of a family (Cyperaceae, the sedge family) of usually tufted monocotyledonous marsh plants differing from the related grasses in having achenes and solid stems

especially : any of a cosmopolitan genus (Carex)

sedgy

ˈse-jē 

adjective

Examples of sedge in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The bears emerge from hibernation in the early summer months searching for partners and feasting on protein-dense sedge grasses and clams. —Stephanie Vermillion, USA TODAY, 19 Oct. 2024

Besides nurturing native grasses and sedges, Kozlowski coaxes along several varieties of wild asters, woodland sunflowers, and herbs like wild licorice and mountain mint. —Susan Degrane, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2024

Over at Lake Clark, the bears continue to munch on sedge and scour for clams this time of year. —Stephanie Vermillion, USA TODAY, 19 Oct. 2024

Using drone surveys and artificial intelligence processing, scientists have discovered an extensive network of mysteriously open clearings of grass and sedges. —Zhengyang Wang, Scientific American, 2 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English segge, from Old English secg; akin to Middle High German segge sedge, Old English sagu saw — more at saw

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

sedge

noun

ˈsej 

: any of a family of plants of marshy areas that are related to the grasses and have solid often three-sided stems