Meaning & Definition of word "Sow"

Sow

/soʊ/

noun:

  • 1. A female pig, especially when mature enough to breed.
    • Example: The farmer raised several sows on his farm for breeding.

verb:

  • 1. To plant seeds in the ground for growth.
    • Example: Farmers usually sow their fields in the spring.
  • 2. To scatter or spread (seeds, ideas, etc.)
    • Example: The speaker aimed to sow doubt about the competing candidate.

Etymology

Old English sāwian, from Proto-Germanic *sēwaną.

Common Phrases and Expressions

sow the seeds:

To begin a process that will lead to a particular result.

sow discord:

To create conflict or distrust among people.

sow doubts:

To cause someone to have doubts about something.

Related Words

seed:

The part of a plant from which a new plant can grow.

cultivate:

To prepare and use land for crops or gardening.

harvest:

To gather crops from the fields.

Slang Meanings of sow

Meaning: To sow wild oats

Example Sentence: He is at college sowing his wild oats before settling down.

Meaning: Sow your oats

Example Sentence: After graduating, he took a year off to sow his oats.