hemp

noun

ˈhemp 

1

a

: 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 rope

a 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

This not only showcases the lightweight and durable properties of hemp but also significantly reduces the environmental impact of eyewear production. —Abdo Riani, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2023

Over the last decade, the 46-year-old designer has been lauded for her efforts to make Mara Hoffman ethical, which range from incorporating organic fabrics like cotton and hemp and recycled materials like nylon to providing fair wages and ensuring safe conditions for garment workers. —Alyssa Hardy, refinery29.com, 6 Nov. 2023

Derived from hemp, CBD oil is known for its potential to alleviate anxiety, pain, and inflammation. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 5 Nov. 2023

Hemp Canvas Bib Overalls Patagonia crafts its workwear with industrial hemp, resulting in a fit that balances breathability with comfort and durability. —Alice Bennett, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2023

Hemp Source The source of hemp plays a significant role in determining the quality of the final CBD oil product. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 23 Oct. 2023

The idea was to allow farmers to promote commercial uses of hemp without relying on the psychoactive parts of the plant. —Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Oct. 2023

The Lands’ End Garment Washed Cotton Hemp Blend Sheet Set isn’t made of 100% pure hemp, but rather is a mixture of 55% hemp and 45% cotton. —Andrea Wurzburger, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Oct. 2023

In many countries, CBD derived from hemp with less than 0.3% THC is legal. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 19 Oct. 2023

See More

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English hænep; akin to Old High German hanaf hemp, Greek kannabis

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing hemp

• bowstring hemp
• Indian hemp
• Manila hemp
• sann hemp
• sunn hemp
• hemp nettle

• bowstring hemp
• Indian hemp
• Manila hemp
• sann hemp
• sunn hemp
• hemp nettle

Kids Definition

hemp

noun

ˈhemp 

1

: a tall Asian herb widely grown for its tough woody fiber that is used to make rope and for its flowers and leaves from which are obtained various drugs (as hashish and marijuana) that affect the mind or behavior

2

: the fiber of hemp

Medical Definition

hemp

noun

ˈhemp 

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

3

: marijuana sense 1

also : hashish