First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
glean
verb \ˈglēn\
: to gather or collect (something) in a gradual way
: to search (something) carefully
: to gather grain or other material that is left after the main crop has been gathered
Full Definition of GLEAN
intransitive verb
1
: to gather grain or other produce left by reapers
2
: to gather information or material bit by bit
transitive verb
1
a : to pick up after a reaper b : to strip (as a field) of the leavings of reapers
2
a : to gather (as information) bit by bit b : to pick over in search of relevant material <gleaning old files for information>
See glean defined for English-language learners
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Origin of GLEAN
Middle English glenen, from Anglo-French glener, from Late Latin glennare, of Celtic origin; akin to Old Irish doglenn he selects
GLEAN Defined for Kids
glean
verb \ˈglēn\
gleanedglean·ing
Definition of GLEAN for Kids
1
: to gather from a field what is left by the harvesters
2
: to gather (as information) little by little with patient effort
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