# sow

/ˈsaʊ/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sow
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. to plant seeds

verb · CEFR B2

to plant seeds in the earth so that they will grow.

For teachers: to scatter or plant seeds in or on the ground for growth. Ambitransitive — may be used with or without a direct object.

- In early spring, the farmers sow the fields with wheat and corn.
- After the first frost had passed, the gardeners began to sow the wildflower seeds across the meadow to ensure a vibrant summer display.

### 2. to spread ideas or feelings

verb · CEFR C1 · Literary

to spread ideas, feelings, or doubts, especially bad ones.

For teachers: to propagate or spread something, typically an abstract quality like discord or doubt, in a figurative sense.

- His constant lies began to sow doubt among his closest friends.
- The political agitators sought to sow seeds of division within the community long before the election took place.

### 3. female pig

noun · CEFR B2

an adult female pig.

For teachers: an adult female porcine animal, especially one that has had a litter.

- The sow stayed close to her piglets to keep them warm and safe.
- The farmer separated the mature sow from the rest of the herd to provide a quiet environment for farrowing.

## Examples

- Farmers sow their seeds in the early spring.
- The gardener decided to sow the wildflower seeds along the edge of the property to attract bees.
- By ignoring the early warnings of the local community, the developers began to sow the seeds of a resentment that would eventually halt the entire project.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.