grass
UK: ɡrɑːs | US: ɡræs
n. a low-growing green plant with narrow leaves, covering the ground in lawns and fields
n. (slang) marijuana
n. (informal) a person who informs on others, especially to the authorities
The word "grass" originates from Old English græs or gærs, meaning "herb, plant, grass." It traces back to Proto-Germanic grasam, which likely derives from the Proto-Indo-European root ghre-, meaning "to grow" or "to become green." This root also gives rise to words like "green" and "grow," reflecting the fundamental connection between grass, growth, and verdancy. Over time, "grass" retained its core meaning while expanding into slang (e.g., marijuana, informant) due to cultural associations.
The grass in our backyard needs mowing every weekend.
Cows graze on fresh grass in the pasture.
(Slang) He was caught selling grass to undercover officers.
(Informal) The gang suspected him of being a grass after the police raid.
She loves walking barefoot on the soft grass.