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

Either way, the spread of kudzu, Burmese pythons, Joro spiders, mosquitoes, killer bees, and Asiatic false hawk’s-beards, to name just a few, has tugged on some primal taproot in us. — Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026

Monetary donations from the community enabled the group to have the Red Wagon Goats bring in more than a dozen animals to eat the kudzu that's covering grave sites there. — Nakell Williams, CBS News, 4 Aug. 2026

The region is growing like kudzu and straining the supply of resources essential to operating server farms — things such as water, electricity, labor and inexpensive land. — Adam Van Brimmer, AJC.com, 2 Aug. 2026

Like English ivy, kudzu spreads very aggressively, smothering out native species and potentially becoming a real problem for your garden. — Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 23 June 2026

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.