First Known Use: 12th century
Dictionary
1plow
noun \ˈplau̇\
: a piece of farm equipment that is used to dig into and turn over soil especially to prepare the soil for planting
Full Definition of PLOW
1
: an implement used to cut, lift, and turn over soil especially in preparing a seedbed
2
: any of various devices (as a snowplow) operating like a plow
See plow defined for English-language learners
See plow defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of PLOW
Middle English, from Old English plōh hide of land; akin to Old High German pfluog plow
Other Agriculture/Gardening Terms
2plow
verb
: 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
Full Definition of PLOW
transitive verb
1
a : to turn, break up, or work with a plow b : to make (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
1
a : to use a plow b : to undergo plowing
2
a : to move forcefully into or through something <the car plowed into a fence> b : to proceed steadily and laboriously <had to plow through a stack of letters>
— plow·able \-ə-bəl\ adjective
— plow·er \ˈplau̇(-ə)r\ noun
See plow defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of PLOW
15th century
PLOW[1] Defined for Kids
1plow
noun \ˈplau̇\
Definition of PLOW for Kids
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
2plow
verb
plowedplow·ing
Definition of PLOW for Kids
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.>
Learn More About PLOW
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up plow? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).