sorghum

[sawr-guhm]

noun

1. a cereal grass, Sorghum bicolor (orS. vulgare ), having broad, cornlike leaves and a tall, pithy stem bearing the grain in a dense terminal cluster.

2. the syrup made from sorgo.

sorghum

/ ˈsɔːɡəm /

noun

1. any grass of the Old World genus Sorghum, having solid stems, large flower heads, and glossy seeds: cultivated for grain, hay, and as a source of syrup See also durra

Word History and Origins

Origin of sorghum¹

1590–1600; < New Latin < Italian sorgo ( sorgo )

Word History and Origins

Origin of sorghum¹

C16: from New Latin, from Italian sorgo, probably from Vulgar Latin Syricum grānum (unattested) Syrian grain

Example Sentences

Sometimes it is possible to find sorghum or millet but on the day of filming, the kitchen manager says: "There is no flour or bread."

From BBC

In place of fermented grapes stood yellow rice wine, incendiary sorghum liquor and, if the night was long enough, out came a bottle of the latter infused with snake bile, promising virility.

From Salon

But don’t overlook honey, agave, white sugar, maple syrup or even sorghum if you want something with a bit more edge.

From Salon

Beijing doesn't seem too worried about looking elsewhere for more chicken, pork and sorghum and – at the same time – it knows it is whacking the US president right in his heartland.

From BBC

In the past, he has given equipment, from boats to a machine used to grind sorghum - a staple grain in Africa and Asia.

From BBC

Related Words

• maple syrup 
• molasses