kudzu

noun

kud·​zu ˈku̇d-(ˌ)zü  ˈkəd- 

: a fast-growing Asian vine (Pueraria montana) of the legume family that is used for forage and erosion control and is often a serious weed in the southeastern U.S.

Examples of kudzu in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Silay City, in the province’s north, has the most significant collection, though nature has reclaimed many, with kudzu and strangler figs grabbing roof tiles and tearing down walls. —Jeff Chu, Travel + Leisure, 16 June 2025

Fake words creeping like kudzu into scientific papers and dating profiles and e-mails and text messages and news outlets and social feeds and job listings and job applications. —Jia Tolentino, New Yorker, 3 May 2025

Invasive, non-native vines, like kudzu and oriental bittersweet, have given vining plants a bad reputation. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Oct. 2024

According to a press release, the company has plans to grow as fast as kudzu. —Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 22 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Japanese kuzu

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

kudzu

noun

kud·​zu ˈku̇d-zü 

: a fast-growing trailing Asian vine that is related to the pea, is grown for grazing and for erosion control, and is often a serious weed in the southeastern U.S.