sedge

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noun \ ˈsej \

Definition of sedge

:any of a family (Cyperaceae, the sedge family) of usually tufted monocotyledonous marsh plants differing from the related grasses in having achenes and solid stems; especially :any of a cosmopolitan genus (Carex)

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sedgy

play \ˈse-jē\ adjective

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Recent Examples of sedge from the Web

In addition to filtering stormwater, the sedge meadows and upland forests slow the water flow, minimize flooding during heavy rains and major weather events, and hold the water during drought, Seidel said.

— james f. mccarty, cleveland.com, "Geauga County's Snow Lake Preserve is environmental keystone of Cuyahoga Wetlands: (photos, videos)," 6 Aug. 2017
Eventually, up to 20 different types of native grasses, sedges and wildflowers will be planted there including Blue Oats, Blue Indigo and false sunflowers.

— meredith colias, Post-Tribune, "At Dunes summer camp, kids plant to help bees and butterflies," 12 July 2017
This makes sense for sedges, which tend to inhabit wetlands.

— kenneth setzer, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Fairchild's Tropical Garden Column: Going native in the garden? Try these plants," 3 July 2017
There is sedge pollen, and a variety of other grasses.

— ben raines, NOLA.com, "Gulf's 60,000-year-old underwater forest spills its secrets in new documentary," 25 June 2017
Once inside, the Campbells found more than 100 species of flowers, grasses, sedges, ferns, shrubs and trees — including those suited for prairie (full sun), wetland, shade, and woodland settings — available for sale.

— sue ellen ross, Post-Tribune, "Native plant sale brings out gardeners galore," 15 June 2017
Michele McCormick, Sacramento Bee garden writer Debbie Arrington: Fiber optic grass (Isolepsis cernua) is actually a sedge, not a true grass.

— debbie arrington, sacbee.com, "Why did fiber optic grass lose its sparkle?," 8 June 2017
Michele McCormick, Sacramento Bee garden writer Debbie Arrington: Fiber optic grass (Isolepsis cernua) is actually a sedge, not a true grass.

— debbie arrington, sacbee, "Why did fiber optic grass lose its sparkle?," 8 June 2017
Sedges and ferns are popular choices; gardeners can add a mix of perennials and shrubs.

— alex hutchinson, Popular Mechanics, "How to Plant a Rain Garden," 30 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sedge.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of sedge

Middle English segge, from Old English secg; akin to Middle High German segge sedge, Old English sagu saw — more at saw

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First Known Use: before 12th century

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SEDGE Defined for English Language Learners

sedge

play

noun

Definition of sedge for English Language Learners

: a plant like grass that grows in wet ground or near water

SEDGE Defined for Kids

sedge

play

noun \ ˈsej \

Definition of sedge for Students

:a plant that is like grass but has solid stems and grows in tufts in marshes

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sedge

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sedgy

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sedge

Definition of sedge for English Language Learners

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sedge

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