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
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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 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 Depending on the adjusted last frost, be prepared to tackle crabgrass and other noxious weeds a week to two weeks earlier or later than in previous years. Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 3 Mar. 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 11 May. 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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