switchgrass

noun

switch·​grass ˈswich-ˌgras How to pronounce switchgrass (audio)
: a tall North American panic grass (Panicum virgatum) that is used for hay and forage

Examples of switchgrass in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web There's growing interest in using different bioenergy crops like switchgrass, Lark said, a perennial grass that could store more carbon in its roots while also being harvested for energy. Madeline Heim, Journal Sentinel, 21 June 2024 The bacteria can work on any type of biomass, including wood chip, switchgrass, and the plant parts that are left behind after a harvest--all contain cellulose, a structural material that comprises much of a plant's mass. Smriti Rao, Discover Magazine, 28 Jan. 2010 After two weeks, nitrogen-15 made up 28 per cent of the nitrogen in the bean and 32 per cent of that in the switchgrass. Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 21 June 2012 Or when a springer spaniel levitates from the switchgrass, jaws snapping at a pheasant’s tail feathers. Kyle Wintersteen, Field & Stream, 30 Jan. 2023 See all Example Sentences for switchgrass 

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

Word History

Etymology

alteration of quitch (grass)

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of switchgrass was in 1840

Dictionary Entries Near switchgrass

Cite this Entry

“Switchgrass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/switchgrass. Accessed 12 Oct. 2024.

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