rootstock
noun
root·stock
ˈrüt-ˌstäk 
ˈru̇t-
1
: a rhizomatous underground part of a plant
2
: a stock for grafting consisting of a root or a piece of root
broadly
: stock sense 7b
Examples of rootstock in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Jury is toying with grafting some rootstock to white varieties to supplement the chardonnay from Spanish Springs.
—
Laura Ness, Mercury News, 12 Apr. 2026
Recently, Congressman Scott Franklin, R-Lakeland, led members of the Florida delegation to request the Environmental Protection Agency conduct a review of emerging citrus rootstock technologies to combat citrus greening.
—Jim Turner, Sun Sentinel, 9 Apr. 2026
While the standard rootstock pear trees often have a robust root system well-suited to windy areas, Fried notes that growth success can depend on other factors, such as soil quality, water availability, and overall care.
—Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 8 Apr. 2026
Many of the best and showiest varieties are grafted onto a wild rootstock.
—Paul Cappiello, Louisville Courier Journal, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rootstock
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.
Laura Ness, Mercury News, 12 Apr. 2026
Recently, Congressman Scott Franklin, R-Lakeland, led members of the Florida delegation to request the Environmental Protection Agency conduct a review of emerging citrus rootstock technologies to combat citrus greening.
—Jim Turner, Sun Sentinel, 9 Apr. 2026
While the standard rootstock pear trees often have a robust root system well-suited to windy areas, Fried notes that growth success can depend on other factors, such as soil quality, water availability, and overall care.
—Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 8 Apr. 2026
Many of the best and showiest varieties are grafted onto a wild rootstock.
—Paul Cappiello, Louisville Courier Journal, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rootstock
Cite this Entry
“Rootstock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rootstock. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
rootstock
noun
root·stock
ˈrüt-ˌstäk
ˈru̇t-
1
: rhizome
2
: a root or part of a root to which an aboveground plant part is grafted
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
