noun
Common
marijuana
ma-rih-WAH-nuh
Marijuana (noun) means the dried leaves and flowers of the cannabis plant, used as a drug for its mind-altering effects. Example: “The doctor explained that marijuana can affect memory and concentration.”
noun
1
The dried leaves and flowers of the cannabis plant, used as a drug for its mind-altering effects.
"The doctor explained that marijuana can affect memory and concentration."
"Marijuana is now legal for recreational use in several US states."
"He was arrested for possession of a small amount of marijuana."
How to use marijuana
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe cannabis plant, or the drug made from its dried leaves and flowers.
When to use it
A formal/legal term; "weed" and "pot" are the common informal equivalents.
Common pairings
medical marijuana
marijuana legalization
possession of marijuana
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Word forms
- Plural
- marijuanas
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The doctor explained that _____ can affect memory and concentration.
Etymology
Borrowed from Mexican Spanish marihuana in the 1800s; later folk stories linked it to the name "María Juana" (Mary Jane), though that origin is disputed.
Class of 1800
marijuana joined the language around 1800.
See the full Class of 1800 →
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for marijuana
See all rhymes for marijuana →Frequently asked questions
What does “marijuana” mean?
The word “marijuana” means the dried leaves and flowers of the cannabis plant, used as a drug for its mind-altering effects. In plain terms, the cannabis plant, or the drug made from its dried leaves and flowers.
How do you pronounce “marijuana”?
“Marijuana” is pronounced ma-rih-WAH-nuh (/ˌmɛɹɪˈwɑ.nə/ in IPA).
How do you use “marijuana” in a sentence?
Here is “marijuana” used in a sentence: “Marijuana is now legal for recreational use in several US states.”
What is another word for “marijuana”?
Words with a similar meaning to “marijuana” include bhang, benj, boo, broccoli, bud and buddha.
What part of speech is “marijuana”?
“Marijuana” is a noun.
Where does the word “marijuana” come from?
The word “marijuana” dates back to around 1800 and comes from Spanish. Borrowed from Mexican Spanish marihuana in the 1800s; later folk stories linked it to the name "María Juana" (Mary Jane), though that origin is disputed.
Is “marijuana” a common word?
“Marijuana” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between "marijuana" and "cannabis"?
"Cannabis" is the name of the plant and the broader, more scientific term. "Marijuana" refers specifically to the dried leaves and flowers used as a drug. All marijuana comes from cannabis, but "cannabis" also covers other uses such as hemp.
How do you spell "marijuana"?
The standard spelling is "marijuana." An older variant, "marihuana," spelled with an "h," appears in some legal and historical texts but is now uncommon.
Is "marijuana" formal or informal?
"Marijuana" is a neutral, widely understood term suitable for general and news writing. "Cannabis" is preferred in scientific or medical contexts, while words like "weed" and "pot" are informal slang.
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