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 Dandelion leaves and crabgrass were visibly affected within hours of application and dried up within 48 hours. Kate Puhala, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Sep. 2024 As an annual weed, crabgrass is killed off by the first frost. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2024 Use it on thistles, crabgrass, dandelions, and more. Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 June 2024 Herbicide should be the last resort for controlling crabgrass since this weed thrives in areas where the desirable lawn grass is struggling. Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 21 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for crabgrass 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'crabgrass.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1743, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of crabgrass was in 1743

Dictionary Entries Near crabgrass

Cite this Entry

“Crabgrass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crabgrass. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on crabgrass

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!