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

Roughly 30 nations now produce hemp, including Spain, Austria, Russia and Australia. — Adam Popescu, New York Times, "There’s No Place Like Home, Especially if It’s Made of Hemp," 29 Jan. 2018 The dairy industry has complained for almost 20 years that the FDA hasn’t policed this definition as products made from soy, almonds, cashews, rice, hemp, and oats have filled shelves in the dairy aisle. — Umair Irfan, Vox, "“Fake milk”: why the dairy industry is boiling over plant-based milks," 31 Aug. 2018 Flax seeds, hemp seeds, walnuts and their oils, as well as chia seeds are especially good sources. — Ellie Krieger, The Seattle Times, "How to fight dry winter skin from the inside out," 5 Feb. 2019 Breakfast is yogurt topped with granola, fruit, almonds and hemp seeds or eggs and spinach. — Jen Murphy, WSJ, "A Climber Still Seeking New Peaks Later in Life," 26 Jan. 2019 There are already limited research and pilot programs for hemp, which McConnell backed in the past. — German Lopez, Vox, "Trump and Congress just legalized hemp," 20 Dec. 2018 But there is another cannabis compound gaining popularity called cannabidiol (CBD), which can be found in either marijuana or hemp. — 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 Looking to relieve her miniature dachshund Parky’s arthritis, mother of two Teressa Sworsky discovered hemp oil. — Kate Thayer, The Seattle Times, "Move over, jewelry and leggings. Selling CBD oil is the new side hustle for moms," 29 Jan. 2019 Ulli’s Oil Mill organic oils, each 3.4 ounces, camelina, $18; raps (rapeseed), $15; hemp, $20; chile oil, $20; Austrian pumpkinseed, $20, ullisoilmill.com. — Florence Fabricant, New York Times, "An Oil for That Final Finish," 9 July 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

23 Mar 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)