cash crop

[ kash krop ]

noun

1. any crop that is considered easily marketable, as wheat or cotton.
2. a crop for direct sale in a market, as distinguished from a crop for use as livestock feed or for other purposes.

cash crop

noun

1. a crop grown for sale rather than for subsistence

Word History and Origins

Origin of cash crop¹

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70

Example Sentences

Apart from local issues, this also includes the fact that there’s a surplus of the cash crop in the state, partly owing to local control, which artificially suppresses the market by limiting the availability of licenses.

From Voice of San Diego

The British colonial government cut back woodlands in a misguided effort to control the tsetse flies that were harming livestock and humans and to plant cash crops like cotton.

From Science News

When Giuseppe arrived in the valley, apple orchards were the cash crop, not vines.

From The Daily Beast

If drug-war crusaders would get out of the way, the harmless cannabis product could become an invaluable cash crop.

From The Daily Beast

The qat growers—Yemen's national narcotic and biggest cash crop—want water that doesn't exist.

From The Daily Beast

They say that the boll weevil has come to destroy their cotton—their sole cash crop.

From Project Gutenberg

The cotton farmers, especially those in the boll weevil territory, cannot afford to depend entirely on cotton as a cash crop.

From Project Gutenberg

Although not a cash crop like potatoes and beets, corn has become increasingly valuable in North Dakota.

From Project Gutenberg

Like maple sirup, wool is a spring cash crop, which is a great convenience.

From Project Gutenberg

The ground should be fitted as well as it is for a cash crop, being made fine and smooth.

From Project Gutenberg