ENGLISH
REFERENCE

agricultural

adj.
US //ˌæɡɹəˈkəɫtʃɝəɫ// UK //ˌæɡɹɪkˈʌltʃəɹəl// agri·cul·tur·al
  1. 1 farming (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    related to farming or the work of growing crops and raising animals.

    relating to the science, art, or practice of cultivating the soil, producing crops, and raising livestock.

    Example

    The government is introducing new agricultural policies to help small farmers.

    Example

    The region's economy remains heavily dependent on agricultural exports, particularly wheat and barley produced in the fertile northern plains.

  2. 2 clumsy or rough (adj.)
    C1 Advanced British English Humorous Informal Sport

    used to describe a style of playing sports that is rough, clumsy, or lacks skill.

    describing a technique or action that is unrefined, forceful, or lacking in finesse; often used in cricket or football to describe a wild swing or tackle.

    Example

    He scored a goal with a very agricultural kick that somehow found the net.

    Example

    The batsman was dismissed after attempting an agricultural swipe across the line, a shot completely lacking his usual technical grace.

    Usage

    Usually placed before the noun it describes.

    Teacher's tip

    This is a common British idiom in sports commentary; it compares a rough movement to the swinging of a scythe or heavy farm machinery.

Origin

From agriculture + -al.

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