fescue

noun

fes·​cue ˈfe-(ˌ)skyü How to pronounce fescue (audio)
1
: a small pointer (such as a stick) used to point out letters to children learning to read
2
: any of a genus (Festuca) of tufted perennial grasses with panicled spikelets

Examples of fescue 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.
Lawn Replacement Mix Native fescues such as Festuca idahoensis, Festuca occidentalis, and Festuca rubra make a beautiful lawn replacement that creates a meadow-like appearance. Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 24 Oct. 2024 Cool-season grasses, such as bluegrass, fescue, and ryegrass, respond well to feeding in early September and late fall (end of October or November). Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Sep. 2024 Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescue, and perennial ryegrass are cool-season grasses that thrive in the cool temperatures of spring and fall. Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Sep. 2024 When: Summer and hot, moist conditions Susceptible grasses: Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescues What to do: Water deeply and infrequently during dry periods to minimize the time leaf blades are moist. Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fescue 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English festu stalk, straw, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin festucum, from Latin festuca

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fescue was in 1589

Dictionary Entries Near fescue

Cite this Entry

“Fescue.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fescue. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

fescue

noun
fes·​cue ˈfes-(ˌ)kyü How to pronounce fescue (audio)
: a tufted perennial grass

More from Merriam-Webster on fescue

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