graft

1 of 5

noun (1)

ˈgraft How to pronounce graft (audio)
Synonyms of graft
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
Open up the center of the plant to improve airflow and cut away any growth from below the graft union. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 5 July 2026 The same physician who designs the hairline at the morning consultation is still in the room placing grafts in the afternoon. — Ascend Agency, Denver Post, 18 June 2026
Verb
Choose grafted apple tree varieties that are suitable for your local climate. — Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 25 May 2026 Growing from seed can lead to a fruit that's not as tasty, whereas commercial orchards use grafting methods that ensure great quality and size. — Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 31 May 2026 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 7 Jul. 2026.

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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
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