First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1soil
verb \ˈsȯi(-ə)l\
Definition of SOIL
transitive verb
1
: to stain or defile morally : corrupt
2
: to make unclean especially superficially : dirty
3
: to blacken or taint (as a person's reputation) by word or deed
intransitive verb
: to become soiled or dirty
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Origin of SOIL
Middle English, from Anglo-French soiller, suiller, from Old French soil wallow of a wild boar, abyss, from Latin solium chair, bathtub; akin to Latin sedēre to sit — more at sit
2soil
noun
Definition of SOIL
1
a : soilage, stain <protect a dress from soil> b : moral defilement : corruption
First Known Use of SOIL
1501
3soil
noun
Definition of SOIL
1
: firm land : earth
2
a : the upper layer of earth that may be dug or plowed and in which plants grow b : the superficial unconsolidated and usually weathered part of the mantle of a planet and especially of the earth
4
: the agricultural life or calling
5
: a medium in which something takes hold and develops
Origin of SOIL
Middle English, from Anglo-French, soil, piece of land, from Vulgar Latin *solium, alteration of Latin solea sole, sandal, foundation timber — more at sole
First Known Use: 14th century
Other Geology Terms
4soil
transitive verb
Definition of SOIL
: to feed (livestock) in the barn or an enclosure with fresh grass or green food; also : to purge (livestock) by feeding on green food
Origin of SOIL
origin unknown
First Known Use: 1605
SOILED Defined for Kids
1soil
verb \ˈsȯil\
soiledsoil·ing
Definition of SOIL for Kids
: to make or become dirty <I soiled my shirt while cooking.>
2soil
noun
Definition of SOIL for Kids
1
: the loose surface material of the earth in which plants grow
Learn More About SOIL
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