Definition of "chickweed"

Any of several small-leaved herbs of the genera Cerastium and Stellaria.

1. especially common chickweed, Stellaria media, a common, edible weed in North America and Europe.  quotations  examples

   Quotations

   • I look at the little sprigs of chickweed trembling among the bean shoots and I am strangely moved. Such steadfastness! Such yearning! They want to live too. That is all they ask: to have their little moment in the world.

     1993, John Banville, Ghosts

2. Stellaria pro parte - chickweed  examples

3. Cerastium - mouse-ear chickweed  examples

Other plants of similar appearance and habit:

1. Ageratum conyzoides, chickweed  examples

2. Holosteum - jagged chickweed  examples

3. Moenchia - upright chickweed  examples

4. Paronychia - chickweed  examples