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
Arkansas Online, 17 Mar. 2026
The resulting collapse of campaign finance rules has combined with a resurgence in the sort of high-level self-dealing that was pervasive during the Gilded Age, when bribery and graft were common, and corporations used their wealth to secure monopolies, government subsidies, and other benefits.
—Daniel Weiner, Time, 9 Mar. 2026
Katie Rife, IndieWire, 16 Mar. 2026
When well cared for, most Meyer lemon trees will produce fruit after two years— possibly sooner if your tree was grafted from a mature mother plant, which is common practice at many nurseries.
—Emily Hayes, Martha Stewart, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for graft
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Noun
But Magyar, a former Fidesz insider who has won over voters angered at a lack of growth, failing public services and a series of graft and child protection scandals, has built his brand with tours of town and village squares.
—Arkansas Online, 17 Mar. 2026
The resulting collapse of campaign finance rules has combined with a resurgence in the sort of high-level self-dealing that was pervasive during the Gilded Age, when bribery and graft were common, and corporations used their wealth to secure monopolies, government subsidies, and other benefits.
—Daniel Weiner, Time, 9 Mar. 2026
Verb
That being said, its professional technical aspects just add to the impression that this is a glib and insincere effort, trying to graft a fun moviegoing experience onto a depressing story about hateful people reveling in each other’s pain.
—Katie Rife, IndieWire, 16 Mar. 2026
When well cared for, most Meyer lemon trees will produce fruit after two years— possibly sooner if your tree was grafted from a mature mother plant, which is common practice at many nurseries.
—Emily Hayes, Martha Stewart, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for graft
Cite this Entry
“Graft.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/graft. Accessed 21 Mar. 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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