graft

1 of 5

noun (1)

ˈgraft How to pronounce graft (audio)
Synonyms of graftnext
1
a
: a grafted (see graft entry 2 sense transitive 1) plant
b
: scion sense 2
c
: the point of insertion of a scion upon a stock
2
a
: the act of grafting
b
: something grafted
specifically : living tissue used in grafting

Illustration of graft

Illustration of graft
  • a scion
  • b stock

graft

2 of 5

verb (1)

grafted; grafting; grafts

transitive verb

1
a
: to cause (a scion) to unite with a stock
also : to unite (plants or scion and stock) to form a graft
b
: to propagate (see propagate sense transitive 1) (a plant) by grafting
2
: to implant (living tissue) surgically
3
a
: to join or unite as if by grafting
b
: to attach (a chemical unit) to a main molecular chain

intransitive verb

1
: to become grafted
2
: to perform grafting
grafter noun

graft

3 of 5

noun (2)

: the acquisition of gain (such as money) in dishonest or questionable ways
also : illegal or unfair gain

graft

4 of 5

verb (2)

grafted; grafting; grafts

transitive verb

: to get (illicit gain) by graft

intransitive verb

: to practice graft

graft

5 of 5

noun (3)

chiefly British
: work, labor

Examples of graft 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.
Noun
As were those with a history of significant heart problems (heart attack, coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, coronary angioplasty or ‘stents’) and/or a family history of premature (before age 40) death from cardiac causes. — New Atlas, 25 Feb. 2025 But that said, this is a gorgeous restaurant in many senses: The room is midcentury-modern effervescence, the staff brims with engaged pros, and Namba’s cooking grafts Japanese and French flavors in smart, fresh ways. — Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 1 Feb. 2025
Verb
Despite significant cap pressures, driven by raises to core players like Filip Hronek and Elias Pettersson, Vancouver was active and creative in free agency in an effort to graft offensive talent onto the wings and maintain its defensive level. — Thomas Drance, The Athletic, 8 Mar. 2025 Peak is a Mediterranean style red blend of Southern French varietals grafted to the climate of Israel. — Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 12 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for graft

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1) and Verb (1)

Middle English graffe, grafte, from Anglo-French greffe, graife stylus, graph, from Medieval Latin graphium, from Latin, stylus, from Greek grapheion, from graphein to write — more at carve

Verb (2) and Noun (2)

origin unknown

Noun (3)

English dialect graft, verb, to work

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun (2)

1865, in the meaning defined above

Verb (2)

1859, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Noun (3)

1853, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of graft was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing graft

Rhymes for graft

See All Rhymes for graft

Browse Nearby Words

graffito
graft
graftage
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Graft.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/graft. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

Kids Definition

graft

1 of 2 verb
ˈgraft How to pronounce graft (audio)
1
a
: to insert a twig or bud from one plant into another plant so that they are joined and grow together
b
: to join one thing to another as if by grafting
graft skin over the burn
2
: to gain money or advantage by graft
grafter noun

graft

2 of 2 noun
1
a
: a grafted plant
b
: the point in a plant where a part that is being grafted is inserted
2
: the act of grafting
3
: something used in grafting: as
a
: scion sense 1
b
: living tissue used in surgical grafting
4
a
: the getting of money or advantage by dishonest means through misuse of an official position
exposed graft in the city government
b
: the money or advantage gained
accused of taking graft

Medical Definition

graft

1 of 2 transitive verb
ˈgraft How to pronounce graft (audio)
: to implant (living tissue) surgically
grafted a new piece of artery into the ruptured portion of the old artery

intransitive verb

: to perform grafting

graft

2 of 2 noun
1
: the act of grafting
2
: something grafted
specifically : living tissue used in grafting

More from Merriam-Webster on graft

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for graft

Nglish: Translation of graft for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about graft

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Words You Always Have to Look Up

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Top 10 Sophisticated Insults

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

More Words with Remarkable Origins

Terroir, Oenophile, & Magnum: Ten Words About Wine

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments
See More

Popular

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Top 10 Sophisticated Insults

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
burrowing owl athene cunicularia tilts its head outside its burrow on marco island florida
Guess the Curious Origins of These Everyday Words Oh, that’s where that comes from…
See All