noun
gowan
GOH-uhn
Gowan (noun) means a daisy, especially the common daisy — a term still used in Scottish and northern English dialect. Example: “The children picked gowans from the meadow to make a chain.”
noun
1
A daisy, especially the common daisy — a term still used in Scottish and northern English dialect.
"The children picked gowans from the meadow to make a chain."
"Old Scots poems often mention gowans nodding in the summer wind."
2
Decomposed or crumbled granite, as used in some regional building and geological contexts.
"The old wall was built from local gowan rather than quarried stone."
How to use gowan
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn old Scots word for a daisy.
Memory tip
You will mostly meet this word in Scottish poetry or dialect rather than everyday speech.
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Word forms
- Plural
- gowans
Fill the gap
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The children picked _____ from the meadow to make a chain.
Etymology
A Scots dialect word, ultimately from Scottish Gaelic, whose deeper roots are uncertain.
Rhymes for gowan
See all rhymes for gowan →Frequently asked questions
What does “gowan” mean?
The word “gowan” means a daisy, especially the common daisy — a term still used in Scottish and northern English dialect. In plain terms, an old Scots word for a daisy.
How do you pronounce “gowan”?
“Gowan” is pronounced GOH-uhn (/ˈɡəʊ.ən/ in IPA).
How do you use “gowan” in a sentence?
Here is “gowan” used in a sentence: “The children picked gowans from the meadow to make a chain.”
What part of speech is “gowan”?
“Gowan” is a noun.
Where does the word “gowan” come from?
The word “gowan” comes from Scottish Gaelic. A Scots dialect word, ultimately from Scottish Gaelic, whose deeper roots are uncertain.
How many meanings does “gowan” have?
“Gowan” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a daisy, especially the common daisy — a term still used in Scottish and northern English dialect.
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