crabgrass

noun

crab·​grass ˈkrab-ˌgras 

: a grass (especially Digitaria sanguinalis) that has creeping or decumbent stems which root freely at the nodes and that is often a pest in turf or cultivated lands

Examples of crabgrass in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The lawnmower will disperse the seeds of crabgrass, dandelions, and any other weeds that are allowed to go to seed. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 9 May 2026

These crabgrass preventers can come in liquid or granular form. —Aliyah Rodriguez, The Spruce, 7 May 2026

And preemergent herbicide applied too late after crabgrass seeds have already germinated also won't do much against these weeds. —Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Apr. 2026

The company tested that concept last year through a pilot program that used soil temperature, not just the calendar, to determine when homeowners should begin spring planting or apply crabgrass treatment. —Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1743, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for crabgrass

• alas
• amass
• bromegrass
• bypass
• crevasse
• eelgrass
• eyeglass
• groundmass
• harass
• impasse
• jackass
• landmass

Kids Definition

crabgrass

noun

crab·​grass ˈkrab-ˌgras 

: a weedy grass with creeping or sprawling stems that root freely at the nodes