sedge

American  

[sej] / sɛdʒ /

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.

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sedge British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• sedgy adjective

Etymology

Origin of sedge

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

Example Sentences

As its name implies, the rhino was adapted for cold weather, thriving in the frigid mammoth steppe tundra and grazing on grasses and sedges.

From Science Magazine

The original native lawn planting at Cornell, in 2009, included more than 20 species of plants, with 11 grasses and sedges among them — a designed plant community modeled after natural grass- and sedge-dominated ones.

From Seattle Times

Fall rains spur new growth on grasses, sedges and some annuals, which helps suppress winter weeds.

From Seattle Times

Backyards full of wispy sedge grass, verdant moss, and wildflower meadows are helping bring gardens and green spaces back to life.

From National Geographic

The animals are herbivores, primarily eating grass and sedges, and can run up to 30 mph.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• scrub
• thicket