root rot

noun

: any of various plant diseases characterized by decay of the roots and caused especially by fungi

Examples of root rot 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.
Declining yellow grass may be take-all root rot; if allowed try to regreen with liquid fertilizer. — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Aug. 2026 And watering too often, even during a dry spell, can lead to root rot associated with overwatering. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 28 July 2026 Too much water can lead to root rot, so resist the urge to water basil before the top inch or so of the soil is dry. — Heather Bien, The Spruce, 26 July 2026 The local farmers confirmed that these lowland avocado landraces had not experienced root rot, which is the most common disease affecting commercial avocados. — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for root rot

Word History

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of root rot was in 1831

Rhymes for root rot

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Browse Nearby Words

root rake
root rot
root-run
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Root rot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/root%20rot. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on root rot

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about root rot

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