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 Ntsama added knitwear to her distinctive swirling creations from hemp textiles. — Colleen Barry, Star Tribune, "5 Africa-born designers open digital Milan Fashion Week," 24 Feb. 2021 And Pennsylvania already has a thriving medical cannabis market and a burgeoning hemp industry. — Chris Roberts, Forbes, "Pennsylvania Could Be Next State To Legalize Recreational Cannabis," 24 Feb. 2021 A year later, however, Indiana lawmakers banned hemp flower. — London Gibson, The Indianapolis Star, "Legalizing hemp flower could net big money; police say upholding laws would be impossible," 16 Feb. 2021 Kaike's Melt cleanser seeks to keep things in balance by replicating the skin’s sebum layer with an antioxidant-loaded mix of oils including linoleic acid-rich grapeseed and anti-inflammatory hemp. — Lauren Valenti, Vogue, "Why a Cleansing Oil Is the Secret to Glowing Skin This Winter," 2 Jan. 2021 Some other wax options include coconut, apricot, palm and hemp. — Jura Koncius, Washington Post, "Candles are comforting us in a dark year. Here’s how to choose the right one for you.," 16 Dec. 2020 In her ruling, Klinger said that marijuana legalization would have touched on business licensing, taxation and hemp cultivation. — CBS News, "South Dakota judge rejects amendment legalizing marijuana," 9 Feb. 2021 Some lawmakers questioned whether the constitutional amendment could interfere with the legalization of industrial hemp, a potentially lucrative crop for farmers who have seen attempts to legalize the crop fail in recent years. — Keith Ridler, Star Tribune, "Constitutional ban on legal pot advances in Idaho," 29 Jan. 2021 Florida lawmakers in 2019 passed a bill to take advantage of the federal farm law, creating a program to regulate cultivation of hemp. — orlandosentinel.com, "Florida farmers take to growing hemp," 8 Dec. 2020

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

3 Mar 2021

Cite this Entry

“Hemp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hemp. Accessed 8 Mar. 2021.

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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