sedge

noun

: any of a family (Cyperaceae, the sedge family) of usually tufted monocotyledonous marsh plants differing from the related grasses in having achenes and solid stems
especially : any of a cosmopolitan genus (Carex)
sedgy adjective

Examples of sedge in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Two years after the last fire, burned sections of the 73-acre natural area bear charcoal stumps and scars, but the ground is also dappled in sedges and sunlight. Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 29 Oct. 2025 Of all the sedges available, Gerdes especially likes 'Red Rooster' for its upright tuft of coppery-bronze, wispy leaves, which provides contrast against more structured plants. Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Oct. 2025 Tiny fossils hint at when birds began making their mind-blowing journey to the Arctic to breed Golden autumn sunlight glints through the sedges and shrubs of the tundra in northern Alaska. Kate Wong, Scientific American, 16 Sep. 2025 Most sedges adapt well to shade or part shade and look best when planted as an edging plant or in mass plantings. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sedge

Word History

Etymology

Middle English segge, from Old English secg; akin to Middle High German segge sedge, Old English sagu saw — more at saw

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sedge was before the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Sedge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sedge. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

sedge

noun
: any of a family of plants of marshy areas that are related to the grasses and have solid often three-sided stems

More from Merriam-Webster on sedge

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