bedstraw

noun

bed·​straw ˈbed-ˌstrȯ How to pronounce bedstraw (audio)
: any of a genus (Galium) of herbs of the madder family having squarish stems, whorled leaves, and small flowers

Examples of bedstraw in a Sentence

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The museum uses the garden to educate students, planting strawberries and onions, as well as weld and lady bedstraw, which are used for dyeing fabrics. — Christopher Elliott, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025 Flu-busting bedstraw. — Jessica Prupas, National Geographic, 30 Nov. 2020

Word History

Etymology

from its use for mattresses

First Known Use

1527, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bedstraw was in 1527

Rhymes for bedstraw

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Browse Nearby Words

bed stone
bedstraw
bed table
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Cite this Entry

“Bedstraw.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bedstraw. Accessed 28 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

bedstraw

noun
bed·​straw -ˌstrȯ How to pronounce bedstraw (audio)
: any of several herbs related to madder and having squarish stems and small flowers

More from Merriam-Webster on bedstraw

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bedstraw

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