sisal

[ sahy-suhl, sis-uhl ]

noun

1. Also called sisal hemp. a fiber yielded by an agave, Agave sisalana, of Yucatán, used for making rope, rugs, etc.
2. the plant itself.

sisal

/ ˈsaɪsəl /

noun

1. a Mexican agave plant, Agave sisalana, cultivated for its large fleshy leaves, which yield a stiff fibre used for making rope
2. the fibre of this plant
3. any of the fibres of certain similar or related plants

Word History and Origins

Origin of sisal¹

1835–45; short for Sisal grass or hemp, named after Sisal, port in Yucatán

Word History and Origins

Origin of sisal¹

C19: from Mexican Spanish, named after Sisal, a port in Yucatán, Mexico

Example Sentences

Amadeo Sanchez told the judge that he was 8 at the time of the massacre and had survived by fleeing into corn and sisal fields with his father.

From ProPublica

Sisal also lacks the flexibility of Manila, being much more stiff and harsh.

From Project Gutenberg

The development of the self-binding reaper on our western grain-fields has opened a gold mine for Sisal cordage.

From Project Gutenberg

Sisal hemp, which I found much like our yucca or "bear grass," is but little grown.

From Project Gutenberg

And Yucatan is the only spot in the world where sisal can be grown in commercial quantities.

From Project Gutenberg

Sisal-grass, sis′al-gras, n. the prepared fibre of the agave or American aloe, supplying cordage.

From Project Gutenberg