Word
hemp
US/ˈhɛmp/
UK/hˈɛmp/
Definitions
01the plant and its fibres
n. a tall plant used to make strong rope, paper, and clothing.
n. the industrial variety of the Cannabis sativa plant, primarily harvested for its durable bast fibres and seeds.
“The designer chose hemp fabric because it is more sustainable than cotton.”
“Historically, hemp was the primary material for maritime ropes and sails due to its exceptional tensile strength and resistance to rot.”
Usage
Uncountable when referring to the material; countable when referring to the botanical species.
02the drug
n. a drug made from the dried leaves and flowers of the cannabis plant.
n. a psychoactive drug derived from the cannabis plant; often used as a synonym for marijuana or cannabis.
“In some countries, the possession of hemp is strictly prohibited by law.”
“The debate over the legalisation of hemp for medicinal purposes has gained significant traction in recent legislative sessions.”
Informal · Slang
Teaching tip
While 'hemp' usually refers to industrial use today, in older or slang contexts it often refers to the drug.