weeds: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Informal to neutral. The singular 'weed' is common; plural often refers to multiple plants or types.
Quick answer
What does “weeds” mean?
Unwanted plants growing wild, especially where cultivated plants are intended to grow.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Unwanted plants growing wild, especially where cultivated plants are intended to grow.
Any undesirable, harmful, or prolific growth or element that needs removal.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both use 'weeds' identically. 'Weed' as slang for cannabis is equally common in both, but the plural 'weeds' rarely refers to cannabis.
Connotations
Slight metaphorical difference: UK may use 'weeds' more in gardening contexts; US might use in agricultural/land management contexts.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in US due to larger-scale farming and herbicide advertising.
Grammar
How to Use “weeds” in a Sentence
The garden is full of weeds.We need to clear the weeds.Weeds are taking over.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “weeds” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The allotment was overrun with stubborn weeds.
- She spent the afternoon pulling up weeds between the paving stones.
American English
- The backyard is full of weeds after all the rain.
- We need to spray for weeds before planting the soybeans.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphor for inefficient processes or redundant staff.
Academic
In ecology/botany: non-native or invasive species.
Everyday
Gardening, lawn care, complaints about neglected spaces.
Technical
Agriculture: plants competing with crops for resources.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “weeds”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “weeds”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “weeds”
- Using 'weeds' as uncountable (e.g., 'too much weeds'). It is countable.
- Using singular 'weed' when plural is needed for multiple plants.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the verb is 'to weed' (e.g., to weed the garden). 'Weeds' is the plural noun form.
The slang term for marijuana is 'weed' (singular, uncountable). The plural 'weeds' almost never refers to marijuana; it refers to unwanted plants.
Weeds are unwanted plants, often invasive or damaging. Wildflowers are native or non-invasive flowering plants, often considered desirable or natural.
From a gardening/farming perspective, yes—they compete with desired plants. Ecologically, some 'weeds' can provide habitat or stabilize soil, but invasive weeds are harmful.
Unwanted plants growing wild, especially where cultivated plants are intended to grow.
Weeds is usually informal to neutral. the singular 'weed' is common; plural often refers to multiple plants or types. in register.
Weeds: in British English it is pronounced /wiːdz/, and in American English it is pronounced /wiːdz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Grow like weeds (to proliferate rapidly)”
- “Separate the wheat from the weeds (to distinguish valuable from worthless)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
WEEDS = Wild, Everywhere, Encroaching, Damaging, Sprouting.
Conceptual Metaphor
WEEDS ARE PROBLEMS / INTRUDERS / NEGLECT.
Practice
Quiz
In a business context, 'to weed out' typically means: