Plow

/plaʊ/

Meaning & Definition

noun
a farm tool with blades for cutting the soil for planting.
The farmer used a plow to prepare the soil for the new season.
a large vehicle used for clearing snow from roads.
The plow worked all night to clear the snow from the streets.
verb
to turn up the earth of (an area) with a plow, especially for planting and cultivation.
Farmers plow the fields in preparation for planting crops.
to move through (something) with difficulty or without care.
We had to plow through the heavy snow to get to the cabin.
to work hard and persistently.
He had to plow through a long list of tasks to meet the deadline.

Etymology

Old English 'plōga' meaning 'to turn up the ground'

Common Phrases and Expressions

plow ahead
To continue to move forward despite obstacles.
plow through
To deal with a large amount of work or information in a determined way.
plow a field
To prepare land for planting crops.

Related Words

tiller
A tool used for preparing soil when planting.
furrow
A trench in the ground made by a plow.

Slang Meanings

To engage in sexual activity, sometimes used in a casual context.
They went back to her place to plow.
To work hard or 'grind' through a tough task.
I've been plowing at work all week.