Definition of milkweed
: any of various plants that secrete latex; especially : any of a genus (Asclepias of the family Asclepiadaceae, the milkweed family) of erect chiefly perennial herbs with milky juice and umbellate flowers
People Are Reading
Recent Examples of milkweed from the Web
-
Acorn production booms in savannas, and milkweeds, which attract butterflies, thrive there, scientists said.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'milkweed'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Illustration of milkweed
First Known Use of milkweed
circa 1592
MILKWEED Defined for English Language Learners
milkweed
playDefinition of milkweed for English Language Learners
-
: a type of North American plant that has white juice
MILKWEED Defined for Kids
milkweed
playDefinition of milkweed for Students
: a plant with milky juice and clusters of flowers
Medical Dictionary
milkweed
playMedical Definition of milkweed
: any of various plants that secrete latex; especially : any plant of the genus Asclepias (family Asclepiadaceae, the milkweed family) including several whose dried roots were formerly used medicinally
Learn More about milkweed
-
See words that rhyme with milkweed Spanish Central: Translation of milkweed Nglish: Translation of milkweed for Spanish speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up milkweed? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!