ragweed

noun

rag·​weed ˈrag-ˌwēd 

: any of various chiefly North American weedy composite herbs (genus Ambrosia) that produce highly allergenic pollen

Illustration of ragweed

Examples of ragweed in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For many people, ragweed is worse than cedar fever or oak. —Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 11 Feb. 2026

Children who had animals had fewer positive skin tests to indoor allergens—like pet and dust-mite allergens—and also to outdoor allergens such as ragweed and grass. —Bill Strickland, Parents, 8 Feb. 2026

In rare cases, stevia may cause an allergic reaction, particularly in individuals with a history of ragweed allergy. —Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 6 Feb. 2026

Another standout, silymarin (which is extracted from milk thistle, a plant related to daisies and ragweeds), helps prevent oil oxidation—the culprit behind clogged pores and early signs of aging—while salicylic acid delivers gentle, pore-clearing exfoliation for a clearer complexion over time. —Sarah Han, Allure, 27 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1790, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ragweed

• accede
• agreed
• airspeed
• alkyd
• bindweed
• chickweed
• concede
• decreed
• duckweed
• exceed
• flaxseed
• impede

Kids Definition

ragweed

noun

rag·​weed ˈrag-ˌwēd 

: any of various chiefly North American weedy herbs related to the daisies and producing pollen irritating to the eyes and noses of some persons

Medical Definition

ragweed

noun

rag·​weed ˈrag-ˌwēd 

: any of various chiefly North American weedy herbaceous plants comprising the genus Ambrosia and producing highly allergenic pollen responsible for much hay fever and asthma: as

a

: an annual weed (A. artemisiifolia) with finely divided foliage that is common on open or cultivated ground in much of North America

b

: a coarse annual (A. trifida) with some or all of the leaves usually deeply and palmately 3-cleft or 5-cleft

called also great ragweed