plant
0 antonyms and opposites of plant, grouped by meaning.
Noun — A living organism, typically rooted in soil, that makes its own food through photosynthesis — trees, flowers, grasses, and similar life forms.
How to use plant
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English plante, ultimately from Latin planta, "sprout, cutting." The factory/machinery sense grew out of an old Latin meaning of "something that propagates or produces."
Full origin of plant →Frequently asked questions
What does “plant” mean?
The word “plant” means a living organism, typically rooted in soil, that makes its own food through photosynthesis — trees, flowers, grasses, and similar life forms. In plain terms, a living green organism like a tree or flower; also a factory, or (as a verb) to put something into the ground — or secretly into place.
How do you pronounce “plant”?
“Plant” is pronounced plahnt (/plænt/ in IPA).
How do you use “plant” in a sentence?
Here is “plant” used in a sentence: “She waters the plants on her balcony every morning.”
What part of speech is “plant”?
Depending on how it is used, “plant” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “plant” come from?
The word “plant” comes from Latin. From Old English plante, ultimately from Latin planta, "sprout, cutting." The factory/machinery sense grew out of an old Latin meaning of "something that propagates or produces.".
Is “plant” a common word?
“Plant” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “plant” have?
“Plant” has 6 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a living organism, typically rooted in soil, that makes its own food through photosynthesis — trees, flowers, grasses, and similar life forms.
What is the difference between a plant and an animal?
The key difference is how they get energy. Plants make their own food from sunlight through photosynthesis and are usually rooted in one place. Animals cannot make their own food, so they must eat plants or other animals, and most can move about freely to find it.
What are the main types of plants?
Plants are commonly grouped into flowering plants like roses and grasses, and non-flowering plants such as ferns, mosses, and conifers. Everyday categories include trees, shrubs, herbs, vines, and grasses. Botanists classify them more precisely by their structure, seeds, and how they reproduce.
Are fungi and mushrooms plants?
No. Although mushrooms were once grouped with plants, fungi belong to their own kingdom. Unlike plants, they cannot photosynthesise to make their own food; instead they absorb nutrients from other organisms or decaying matter. This fundamental difference is why modern biology keeps them separate from plants.
Why are plants important?
Plants release the oxygen we breathe and absorb carbon dioxide, helping to regulate the climate. They form the base of nearly every food chain, provide habitats for wildlife, and give us food, medicine, timber, and fibres. Without plants, most life on Earth could not survive.