First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
hemp
noun \ˈhemp\
: a plant that is used to make thick ropes and some drugs (such as hashish and marijuana)
Full Definition of HEMP
1
a : a tall widely cultivated Asian herb (Cannabis sativa of the family Cannabaceae, the hemp family) that has a tough bast fiber used especially for cordage and that is often separated into a tall loosely branched species (C. sativa) and a low-growing densely branched species (C. indica) b : the fiber of hemp c : a psychoactive drug (as marijuana or hashish) from hemp
2
: a fiber (as jute) from a plant other than the true hemp; also : a plant yielding such fiber
See hemp defined for English-language learners
See hemp defined for kids
Origin of HEMP
Middle English, from Old English hænep; akin to Old High German hanaf hemp, Greek kannabis
HEMP Defined for Kids
hemp
noun \ˈhemp\
Definition of HEMP for Kids
: a tall Asian plant grown for its tough woody fiber that is used especially in making rope and for its flowers and leaves that yield drugs (as marijuana)
Medical Dictionary
hemp
noun \ˈhemp\
Medical Definition of HEMP
1
: a tall widely cultivated Asian herb of the genus Cannabis (C. sativa) with strong woody fiber used especially for cordage
2
: the fiber of hemp
3
: a psychoactive drug (as marijuana or hashish) from hemp
Illustration of HEMP
Learn More About HEMP
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: hemp agrimonyPrevious Word in the Dictionary: hemozoonAll Words Near: hemp
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up hemp? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).