Illustration of graft
- a scion
- b stock
1
a
: a grafted (see graft entry 2 sense transitive 1) plant
b
c
: the point of insertion of a scion upon a stock
grafted; grafting; grafts
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
grafter
noun
: the acquisition of gain (such as money) in dishonest or questionable ways
also
: illegal or unfair gain
Examples of graft in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
semafor.com, 29 Dec. 2025
The latest conviction adds to a series of legal troubles for Khan, who has been behind bars since August 2023, and is currently serving a 14-year sentence in a separate land graft case.
—Reuters, NBC news, 20 Dec. 2025
Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 26 Dec. 2025
The asparagus knife was found among the containers in the basement, alongside other grafting and pruning knives.
—Sam Vong, The Conversation, 18 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for graft
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Noun
Despite government vows to crack down on graft, Mexico’s score on a respected corruption index reached its worst level in more than a decade last year.
—semafor.com, 29 Dec. 2025
The latest conviction adds to a series of legal troubles for Khan, who has been behind bars since August 2023, and is currently serving a 14-year sentence in a separate land graft case.
—Reuters, NBC news, 20 Dec. 2025
Verb
With no prior example to follow, the medical team decided on an unconventional solution and grafted the ear onto the top of her foot.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 26 Dec. 2025
The asparagus knife was found among the containers in the basement, alongside other grafting and pruning knives.
—Sam Vong, The Conversation, 18 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for graft
Cite this Entry
“Graft.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/graft. Accessed 1 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
graft
1 of 2 verb1
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 noun1
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
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
: to implant (living tissue) surgically
grafted a new piece of artery into the ruptured portion of the old artery
: to perform grafting
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