esparto

noun

es·​par·​to i-ˈspär-(ˌ)tō 

plural espartos

1

: either of two Spanish and Algerian grasses (Stipa tenacissima and Lygeum spartum) used especially to make cordage, shoes, and paper

called also esparto grass

2

: the fiber of esparto

Examples of esparto in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Today, many are made with jute roping rather than esparto, and opt for rubber soles for greater durability. — Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 4 Aug. 2025

The prehistoric items were made from organic materials including wood, reed and esparto, or Stipa tenacissima, a grass crushed to make twine. — Margaret Osborne, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 Oct. 2023

The study used radiocarbon dating to date 76 items, including baskets and 22 sandals made from esparto, a kind of grass used in crafts across the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa for thousands of years. — Patrick Smith, NBC News, 29 Sep. 2023

The interdisciplinary team analyzed 76 artifacts made of wood, reeds, and esparto, including basketry, cords, mats, and a wooden mallet. — Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 29 Sep. 2023

This Ibiza living room features local-limestone floors covered in custom Spanish esparto rugs from Antonia Molina. — Kelsey Mulvey, ELLE Decor, 29 Dec. 2022

They were initially crafted by hand, with artisans weaving the esparto grass to create the shoes. — Fn Staff, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, from Latin spartum, from Greek sparton — more at spire

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

esparto

noun

es·​par·​to is-ˈpärt-ō 

plural espartos

: either of two Spanish and Algerian grasses from which rope, shoes, baskets, and paper are made

called also esparto grass