plow

play

noun \ˈplau̇\

Definition of plow

1 : an implement used to cut, lift, and turn over soil especially in preparing a seedbed
2 : any of various devices (such as a snowplow) operating like a plow

See plow defined for English-language learners

See plow defined for kids

Origin and Etymology of plow

Middle English, from Old English plōh hide of land; akin to Old High German pfluog plow

First Known Use: 12th century

Other Agriculture/Gardening Terms

fallow, graft, heirloom, loam, potash, soilage, swath, tilth, windfall

plow

verb

Definition of plow

transitive verb
1a : to turn, break up, or work with a plowb : to make (something, such as a furrow) with a plow
2 : to cut into, open, or make furrows or ridges in with or as if with a plow
3 : to cleave the surface of or move through (water) whales plowing the ocean
4 : to clear away snow from with a snowplow plow the street
5 : to spend or invest (money) in substantial amounts —used with into plow money into stocks
intransitive verb
1a : to use a plowb : to undergo plowing
2a : to move forcefully into or through something the car plowed into a fenceb : to proceed steadily and laboriously had to plow through a stack of letters

plowable

play \-ə-bəl\ adjective

plower

play \ˈplau̇(-ə)r\ noun

See plow defined for English-language learners

Examples of plow in a Sentence

The soil was freshly plowed.
They used oxen to plow the field.
My street hasn't been plowed yet.
We hired someone to plow the snow from our driveway.
The town won't start plowing until the storm is almost over.
a ship plowing the ocean
They continued to plow their way through the tall grass.

15th Century

First Known Use of plow

15th century

PLOW Defined for English Language Learners

plow

play

noun

Definition of plow for English Language Learners

: a piece of farm equipment that is used to dig into and turn over soil especially to prepare the soil for planting

plow

verb

Definition of plow for English Language Learners

: to dig into or break up (dirt, soil, land, etc.) with a plow
: to use a snowplow to remove snow from a road, parking lot, etc.
: to move through, over, or across (something) in a forceful and steady way

PLOW Defined for Kids

plow

play

noun \ˈplau̇\

Definition of plow for Students

1 : a farm machine used to dig into, break up, and turn over soil
2 : a device (as a snowplow) used to spread or clear away matter on the ground

plow

play

verb

Definition of plow for Students

plowed

;

plowing

1 : to dig into, break up, or turn over soil with a plow plow a furrow plow the soil
2 : to move through or continue with force or determination Our ship plowed through the waves. She plowed ahead with the planning.