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

The ban would make permanent temporary emergency regulations enacted last year over the objections of hemp business operators, who argue that the rules threaten the viability of California’s hemp industry. —A.j. Herrington, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025

The responds to a booming consumable hemp industry in Texas that some, like Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, have said is dangerous and largely unregulated. —Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 June 2025

Amid rocketing growth in the hemp industry, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns that many CBD products on the internet, in the chiropractor’s office and in specialty stores popping up across the country are untested. —Virginia Bridges, Charlotte Observer, 9 June 2025

Wool Lab features new blends such as wool/hemp, wool/lyocell and 100 percent extra-fine wool spun with premium fibers like silk, cashmere and paper—each offering unique benefits and applications. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 28 May 2025

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

Rhymes for hemp

• kemp
• temp

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