hemp
noun
ˈhemp 
1
a
: a tall widely cultivated Asian herb (Cannabis sativa of the family Cannabaceae, the hemp family) that is cultivated for its tough bast fiber and edible seeds and oil and that is often separated into a tall loosely branched species (C. sativa) and a low-growing densely branched species (C. indica)
Note: Cultivated hemp is often distinguished from cannabis by possessing very low levels of the psychoactive substance THC.
b
: the fiber of hemp
… hemp can produce superb paper and construction materials lighter and stronger than lumber.
Ted Williams
—often used before another noun Ted Williams hemp ropea hemp shirt
c
: marijuana
also : hashish
2
: a fiber (such as jute) from a plant other than the true hemp
also : a plant yielding such fiber
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web The illegality of these grows was determined using licensing maps obtained from the state Department of Cannabis Control, county permit databases, hemp registrations and tax assessor parcel records. Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2022 Two paper menus listing more than a dozen strands are taped to the side of the truck; inside hangs a framed certificate of licensure from the OCM, not for marijuana distribution, but for hemp sales. Michael Stahl, Rolling Stone, 5 Sep. 2022 The school has planted about 600 seeds and is building a hemp lab. Sean Mcdonnell, cleveland, 17 Aug. 2022 In fact, Bejing banned the use of CBD in cosmetics production last year, even though the country is believed to be the world's top hemp producer. Dario Sabaghi, Forbes, 16 Aug. 2022 Save your sanity with these bath bombs shaped like pills, which moisturize skin thanks to a blend of safflower, jojoba, and hemp seed oils. Lindy Segal, Harper's BAZAAR, 4 Aug. 2022 Legalizing hemp on the Navajo Nation could be good for business, but what's next? Arlyssa D. Becenti, The Arizona Republic, 28 July 2022 They are packed full of flavorful terpenes, high THC, and rolled in non-tobacco blunt wrappers produced with tea leaves and hemp. Michael Silverman, BostonGlobe.com, 27 July 2022 Miller cites more than 850 hemp growing or processing entities in the state under the commissioner’s licensing purview. Michael Taylor, San Antonio Express-News, 27 July 2022 See More
Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2022 Two paper menus listing more than a dozen strands are taped to the side of the truck; inside hangs a framed certificate of licensure from the OCM, not for marijuana distribution, but for hemp sales. Michael Stahl, Rolling Stone, 5 Sep. 2022 The school has planted about 600 seeds and is building a hemp lab. Sean Mcdonnell, cleveland, 17 Aug. 2022 In fact, Bejing banned the use of CBD in cosmetics production last year, even though the country is believed to be the world's top hemp producer. Dario Sabaghi, Forbes, 16 Aug. 2022 Save your sanity with these bath bombs shaped like pills, which moisturize skin thanks to a blend of safflower, jojoba, and hemp seed oils. Lindy Segal, Harper's BAZAAR, 4 Aug. 2022 Legalizing hemp on the Navajo Nation could be good for business, but what's next? Arlyssa D. Becenti, The Arizona Republic, 28 July 2022 They are packed full of flavorful terpenes, high THC, and rolled in non-tobacco blunt wrappers produced with tea leaves and hemp. Michael Silverman, BostonGlobe.com, 27 July 2022 Miller cites more than 850 hemp growing or processing entities in the state under the commissioner’s licensing purview. Michael Taylor, San Antonio Express-News, 27 July 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Old English hænep; akin to Old High German hanaf hemp, Greek kannabis
First Known Use
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Phrases Containing hemp
Kids Definition
hemp
noun
ˈhemp
: 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 Definition
hemp
noun
ˈhemp
1
: a tall widely cultivated Asian herb of the genus Cannabis (C. sativa) that is cultivated for its strong woody fiber and edible seeds and oil and that is often separated into a tall loosely branched species (C. sativa) and a low-growing densely branched species (C. indica)
Note: Cultivated hemp is often distinguished from cannabis by possessing very low levels of the psychoactive substance THC.
2
: the fiber of hemp
3
: marijuana sense 1
also : hashish