crabgrass

noun

crab·​grass ˈkrab-ˌgras How to pronounce crabgrass (audio)
: 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
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.
As an annual weed, crabgrass is killed off by the first frost. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 11 Apr. 2026 New plants emerge from seed produced by last year's crabgrass crop. Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Apr. 2026 For example, crabgrass preventer products may be on sale in February, but they should not be applied to a lawn until late April, about the time the redbuds bloom. Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 28 Feb. 2026 For example, the best way to control crabgrass is with a preemergent herbicide in the spring. David Beaulieu, The Spruce, 24 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for crabgrass

Word History

First Known Use

1743, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of crabgrass was in 1743

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Cite this Entry

“Crabgrass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crabgrass. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

crabgrass

noun
crab·​grass ˈkrab-ˌgras How to pronounce crabgrass (audio)
: a weedy grass with creeping or sprawling stems that root freely at the nodes

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