windrow

1 of 2

noun

wind·​row ˈwin(d)-ˌrō How to pronounce windrow (audio)
plural windrows
1
a
: a row of hay raked up to dry before being baled or stored
This allows the rake to merge hay into one windrow or, individually turn or make two windrows as conditions require.Farming
b
: a similar row of cut vegetation (such as grain) for drying
The combine moves down the windrows, separating the grain from the stalks.Steve Taylor
2
: a row heaped up by or as if by the wind
Windrows—long formations of floating objects shaped by winds and currents—are well known to sailors and oceanographers and are common in both oceans and lakes.Ron Larson
3
a
: a long low ridge of material (such as snow or road-making material) scraped to the side of a road
There is a proven and commercially available solution to the problem of snow windrows, or snow ridges, blocking driveways.Bob Gaunt
b

windrow

2 of 2

verb

windrowed; windrowing; windrows

transitive verb

: to form (something, such as hay) into a windrow

Examples of windrow in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Mounds of dirt and food scraps, known as windrows, sometimes taller than the people working them, need to be turned over by shovel every seven days for months, even in bad weather. John Leland, New York Times, 19 Nov. 2023 There’s a lot to be said for not tuning in to the past or future for stretches of time, for dwelling only in the flank, the windrow, or the footfall – whatever the moment presents. Sue Wonder, The Christian Science Monitor, 30 Apr. 2021 A giant machine called a windrow turner will churn the rows periodically, allowing proper composting to take place. Sven Berg, idahostatesman, 2 June 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'windrow.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1523, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1729, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of windrow was circa 1523

Dictionary Entries Near windrow

Cite this Entry

“Windrow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/windrow. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

windrow

noun
wind·​row
ˈwin-ˌ(d)rō
1
: hay raked up into a row to dry
2
: a row of something (as sand or dry leaves) heaped up by or as if by the wind
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