hemp

noun

\ ˈhemp

Definition of hemp

1a : a tall widely cultivated Asian herb (Cannabis sativa of the family Cannabaceae, the hemp family) that is cultivated for its tough bast fiber and edible seeds and oil and that is often separated into a tall loosely branched species (C. sativa) and a low-growing densely branched species (C. indica)

Note: Cultivated hemp is often distinguished from cannabis by possessing very low levels of the psychoactive substance THC.

b : the fiber of hemp … hemp can produce superb paper and construction materials lighter and stronger than lumber.— Ted Williams —often used before another noun hemp ropea hemp shirt

c : marijuana also : hashish

2 : a fiber (such as jute) from a plant other than the true hemp also : a plant yielding such fiber

Examples of hemp in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports that CBD has been extracted from Arkansas’ first legal hemp harvest. — USA TODAY, "High Line milestones, Iowa’s big stink, Muscle Beach makeover: News from around our 50 states," 11 June 2019 Cannabidiol is a non-psychoactive compound found in hemp and marijuana plants. — oregonlive.com, "Police ask for help finding missing Wilsonville teen in ‘substantial risk’ without medical treatment," 11 June 2019 The National Conference of State Legislatures says more than 40 states have established industrial hemp cultivation programs. — Washington Post, "State, federal laws now allow Arizona farmers to grow hemp," 7 June 2019 As a registered medical marijuana patient, Rivera uses cannabis in her own cooking every day, in her morning smoothie, a shot of hemp juice before a run, or with infused olive oil on her salad. — Robert Mccoppin, chicagotribune.com, "Coming soon to a party near you: marijuana users, and there's a wide variety of them," 7 June 2019 Flax, pumpkin, sesame, sunflower, chia, hemp: The list of great-for-you seeds goes on. — Jaclyn London, Ms, Rd, Cdn, Good Housekeeping, "How People Are Using "Seed Cycling" for Hormone Balance (And Whether or Not You Should Try It)," 16 May 2019 HEMP SEED OIL Pressed from the seeds of industrial hemp plants, this supercharged moisturizer packs vitamins, minerals, and inflammation-quelling essential fatty acids. — Allure, "The Skin-Care Glossary: A Comprehensive Guide to Everything You Need to Know," 17 Aug. 2018 As Allure explained, when cannabis contains less than 0.3% THC, it's considered hemp, and is therefore legal. — Teen Vogue, "A Shopping Guide to CBD Beauty Products," 20 Apr. 2019 The collection features porcelain trays, coasters, and boxes emblazoned with a silver hemp leaf on a black background or a sultry pair of red lips dangling a smoke. — Jennifer Milne, ELLE Decor, "In Time for 4/20, the Ultimate and Uber-Chic Weed Accessories from Jonathan Adler," 19 Apr. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'hemp.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

15 Jun 2019

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The first known use of hemp was before the 12th century

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More Definitions for hemp

hemp

noun

English Language Learners Definition of hemp

: a plant that is used to make thick ropes and some drugs (such as hashish and marijuana)

See the full definition for hemp in the English Language Learners Dictionary

hemp

noun

\ ˈhemp

Kids Definition of hemp

: a tall Asian plant grown for its tough woody fiber that is used especially in making rope and for its flowers and leaves that yield drugs (as marijuana)

hemp

noun

\ ˈhemp

Medical Definition of hemp

1 : a tall widely cultivated Asian herb of the genus Cannabis (C. sativa) that is cultivated for its strong woody fiber and edible seeds and oil and that is often separated into a tall loosely branched species (C. sativa) and a low-growing densely branched species (C. indica)

Note: Cultivated hemp is often distinguished from cannabis by possessing very low levels of the psychoactive substance THC.

2 : the fiber of hemp