sorghum

noun

sor·​ghum ˈsȯr-gəm 

1

: any of an economically important genus (Sorghum) of Old World tropical grasses similar to corn in habit but with the spikelets in pairs on a hairy rachis

especially : any of various cultivars (such as grain sorghum or sorgo) derived from a wild form (S. bicolor synonym S. vulgare)

2

: syrup from the juice of a sorgo that resembles cane syrup

Illustration of sorghum

• sorghum 1

Examples of sorghum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

If your current diet is low in whole grains, try experimenting with different sources, like quinoa, teff, sorghum, buckwheat, and barley. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 21 Apr. 2025

Five years ago, a tractor wove through the site cultivating sorghum, which gave way to 40,000 seedlings. —Laura Mallonee, Wired News, 12 Apr. 2025

China’s government retaliated expeditiously, announcing 15-percent duties on American agricultural products like cotton, chicken, corn and wheat, as well as 10-percent tariffs on pork, beef, dairy products, seafood, soybeans and sorghum, all of which will take effect March 10. —Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 4 Mar. 2025

The announcements affect one company exporting sorghum, C&D Inc., and four poultry companies. —Time, 4 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Italian sorgo, from Vulgar Latin *Syricum (granum), literally, Syrian grain

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing sorghum

• grain sorghum
• sweet sorghum

Kids Definition

sorghum

noun

sor·​ghum ˈsȯr-gəm 

1

: any of a genus of Old World tropical grasses that look like corn

especially : one cultivated for grain, forage, or syrup

2

: syrup made from a sorghum