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grass

n. · v.
US //ˈɡɹæs// UK //ɡɹˈɑːs// grass
  1. 1 green ground cover (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    a common green plant with narrow leaves that grows in fields, parks, and gardens.

    any plant of the family Poaceae, typically characterized by narrow leaves and used as ground cover or forage.

    Example

    The children ran barefoot across the soft green grass in the park.

    Example

    The landscaper recommended a specific blend of seed to ensure the grass remained resilient against the heavy foot traffic of the public square.
  2. 2 an informer (n.)
    C1 Advanced British English Slang

    someone who tells the police or authorities about a person's secret or illegal activities.

    a person who provides information to the authorities about criminal activity, especially a member of a criminal group who betrays their associates.

    Example

    The gang suspected there was a grass among them after the police raid.

    Example

    In many underworld circles, being labelled a grass is a life-threatening accusation that leads to immediate social and physical exclusion.
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  1. 3 marijuana (n.)
    C1 Advanced Slang Informal

    a slang word for the drug marijuana.

    a common slang term for cannabis or marijuana.

    Example

    He was arrested for possessing a small amount of grass.

    Example

    The detective noted that the suspect used various coded terms, including grass, to discuss the distribution of narcotics over the phone.
  2. 4 the real world (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal Slang

    the outside world or reality, often used when someone has spent too much time on the internet.

    the physical world or reality, typically used in the imperative 'touch grass' to suggest someone reconnect with nature after excessive digital engagement.

    Example

    You have been arguing on Twitter all day; you really need to go outside and touch grass.

    Example

    The phrase 'touch grass' has become a ubiquitous online retort aimed at those whose perspectives seem warped by excessive time spent in digital echo chambers.
  3. 5 to inform on someone (v.)
    C1 Advanced British English Slang

    to tell the police or someone in charge about something bad another person did.

    to act as an informer or to betray a person by reporting their activities to the authorities.

    Example

    He promised not to grass on his friends after they broke the window.

    Example

    The witness was hesitant to grass on the local syndicate, fearing the inevitable repercussions of cooperating with the investigation.

    Usage

    often used with 'on' before the person being reported.
  4. 6 to cover with turf (v.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical

    to cover an area of ground with grass.

    to cover a surface with grass or turf.

    Example

    The workers began to grass the area around the new office building.

    Example

    The project specifications required the contractor to grass the embankment immediately to prevent soil erosion during the autumn rains.
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