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

People are surprised to know that animals have an endo-cannabinoid system, too, and that hemp and cannabis work the same way for them. — Erin Sauder, Elgin Courier-News, "Down to Business: West Dundee center helps clients learn about hemp-based products, apply for medical cannabis," 11 July 2018 While all fiber is good, here are some great prebiotic fiber sources: Jerusalem artichokes, onions, garlic, and leeks, as well as chia seeds, flaxseeds, and hemp seeds. — Liz Krieger, Harper's BAZAAR, "The New Way to Lose Weight Involves Healing Your Gut," 26 June 2017 The Department of Agriculture handles research grants and pilot programs for hemp, but that’s where its involvement ends. — Dan Nosowitz, Vox, "The super-popular cannabis compound, explained.," 1 Nov. 2018 For those with combination skin that can be frustratingly oily and dry at the same time, Origins latest formula quenches with cannabis sativa seed oil from hemp and a calming, cooling texture. — Jenna Rennert, Vogue, "10 Face Masks for Happier Skin Right Now," 28 Sep. 2018 The steel-cable Capilano Suspension Bridge was originally built in 1889 of hemp rope and cedar stumps across an immense canyon. — Jamie Moore, USA TODAY, "The world’s 10 most amazing suspension bridges," 26 Apr. 2018 Seed brittle Makes 1 quart 120 mL water 200 grams granulated sugar 160 grams light corn syrup 100 grams (mixed) of sunflower seeds, hemp hearts and sesame seeds 1 teaspoon baking soda In a saucepan, bring water, sugar and syrup to 225 degrees. — Nancy Miller, The Courier-Journal, "Rye's chef goes for bold flavors (like this paprika octopus) but keeps the menu simple," 17 Apr. 2018 Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell said the bill also includes a measure to legalize industrial hemp. — Juliet Linderman, BostonGlobe.com, "Senate unveils farm bill, leaves food stamps alone," 8 June 2018 Now some states are permitted to grow industrial hemp for research purposes. — Christy Brissette, chicagotribune.com, "Milk, bread, hemp oil? On 4/20, a dietitian's guide to the cannabis items in your grocery store," 20 Apr. 2018

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

30 Nov 2018

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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)