Word
plow
/ˈpɫaʊ/
UK spelling · plough
Countable noun
Definition
n. a heavy piece of farm equipment with a blade used to turn over soil. Farmers use it to prepare the ground for planting seeds.
n. a large farming implement with one or more blades fixed in a frame, used to turn over soil and cut furrows. Often spelled 'plough' in British English.
Examples
“The farmer pulled the plow behind his tractor.”
“Before the spring planting can begin, the field must be turned over with a heavy plow to aerate the soil.”
“The transition from wooden to iron-tipped plows allowed ancient civilizations to cultivate tougher soils, significantly increasing food production and supporting larger urban populations.”
Examples
simple
“The farmer pulled the plow behind his tractor.”
contextual
“Before the spring planting can begin, the field must be turned over with a heavy plow to aerate the soil.”
complex
“The transition from wooden to iron-tipped plows allowed ancient civilizations to cultivate tougher soils, significantly increasing food production and supporting larger urban populations.”
Usage
Commonly used in the phrase 'under the plow' to describe land used for farming.
Pitfall
The farmer used a plough in New York.
The farmer used a plow in New York.
While 'plough' is the standard British spelling, 'plow' is the required spelling in American English.
Word family
NOUN
Idioms
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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