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

These products work by inhibiting seed germination so using the crabgrass preventer on the lawn will inhibit bulb spread by seed. — Paul Cappeillo, Louisville Courier Journal, 11 Sep. 2026

Annual weeds, such as crabgrass, purslane and pigweed die with the first hard frost. — Manjot Kaur Sidhu, The Conversation, 10 Sep. 2026

In a work so dense with references, mistakes will sprout like crabgrass; write a big book on André Le Nôtre’s formal gardens and the earthworm experts will gather to deride your confusion. — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026

The easiest way to distinguish crabgrass from other grasses is its blades, which Roger May, director of operations support at TruGreen, says are light green and typically grow flat instead of upright. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 31 Aug. 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