sedge

[ sej ]

noun

1. any rushlike or grasslike plant of the sedge family, predominantly of the genus Carex, most species of which grow in wetlands.
2. siege ( def 5 ).

sedge

/ sɛdʒ /

noun

1. any grasslike cyperaceous plant of the genus Carex, typically growing on wet ground and having rhizomes, triangular stems, and minute flowers in spikelets
2. any other plant of the family Cyperaceae

Derived Forms

• ˈsedgy, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sedge¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English segge, Old English secg; akin to saw ¹; presumably so named from its sawlike edges

Word History and Origins

Origin of sedge¹

Old English secg; related to Middle High German segge sedge, Old English sagu saw ¹

Example Sentences

The broader riverbanks, newly freed from concrete, are dotted with thousands of small sedges planted in closely set rows to hold the earth, like a pointillist-­rendered landscape.

From MIT Technology Review

She suggests using two to four species to create a mini-meadow, adding that it’s essential to use a grass or sedge for the framework.

From Washington Post

What we shall do if an Indian springs from behind the bushes, or a crocodile comes out of the sedge, I don't know.

From Project Gutenberg

No Indian sprang from the bush, no crocodile came out of the sedge; and the river was crossed without one of them being drowned.

From Project Gutenberg

Low down in the hollow is a marshy spot, sedge-grown, and in the sedge lie yellow leaves of willow already fallen.

From Project Gutenberg

Why, that you were going to find a bar'l of rum in the Napeague sedge next light of the moon.

From Project Gutenberg

Far across, with sails gleaming white against the sea of sedge, was a schooner, beating slowly up the river.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• scrub
• thicket