root crop

noun

: a crop (such as turnips) grown for its enlarged roots

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Plant the following seeds into the ground, not into pots: carrots, beets, radishes, parsnips and other root crops. Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Apr. 2023 Shipments of the root crop were sent to West Africa and Western Europe by Spanish traders during the 16th century. Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 24 Nov. 2022 They’re also made with taro, an ancient root crop grown throughout the tropics that’s rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Rachel King, Fortune, 25 Sep. 2022 Another fast-growing root crop, often ignored, are turnips. Jeff Lowenfels, Anchorage Daily News, 26 May 2022 The first definite reports of carrots as a root crop came from modern day Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan. Nayeli Lomeli, USA TODAY, 15 Sep. 2021 When replanting edibles beds, follow heavy-feeding vegetables like spinach and cabbage with nitrogen-replenishing legumes such as beans, peas, and soybeans; or plant a less-demanding root crop. Sunset Magazine, 3 Aug. 2020 The next 30 percent should be for high-calorie root crops, like potatoes. Ac Shilton, Popular Mechanics, 21 Apr. 2020 Buy: Around $48 at Home Depot Digging fork A good garden fork is indispensable to loosen soil, aerate sod, dig root crops and transplant bulbs. oregonlive, 27 Mar. 2020 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'root crop.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of root crop was in 1834

Dictionary Entries Near root crop

Cite this Entry

“Root crop.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/root%20crop. Accessed 28 May. 2023.

More from Merriam-Webster on root crop

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