noun Uncommon

Sow

sow

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Sow (noun) means an adult female pig, especially one that has had a litter. Example: “The farmer moved the sow and her piglets into a clean pen.”

noun

An adult female pig, especially one that has had a litter.

"The farmer moved the sow and her piglets into a clean pen."

"A healthy sow can produce two litters a year."

verb

To plant seeds in the ground so they can grow.

"They sowed the field with wheat in early spring."

"It's time to sow the tomato seeds indoors."

To spread or introduce something, especially something that causes trouble, so it grows or spreads.

"The rumor was designed to sow doubt among the team."

"His speech seemed intended to sow division rather than unity."

How to use Sow

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither a mother pig, or the act of planting seeds (literally or as a figure of speech, like "sow confusion").

Common mistake

Homograph of "sow" (rhymes with "cow," the pig) versus "sow" (rhymes with "go," the planting verb) — same spelling, two unrelated words with different pronunciations. Don't confuse the verb with "sew" (to stitch fabric), which sounds identical.

Easily confused with

sew → so →

Common pairings

sow seeds sow doubt sow discord a sow and her piglets

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: Sows

Test yourself on “Sow” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The farmer moved the _____ and her piglets into a clean pen.

Etymology

From Old English sāwan ("to scatter seed"), from a very old Germanic root shared with "seed."

Origin: Old English

Synonyms

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seed sow in inseminate

Related words

fruit seed grain pit cum sperm semen germ

Frequently asked questions

What does “Sow” mean?

The word “Sow” means an adult female pig, especially one that has had a litter. In plain terms, either a mother pig, or the act of planting seeds (literally or as a figure of speech, like "sow confusion").

How do you pronounce “Sow”?

“Sow” is pronounced sow (/saʊ/ in IPA).

How do you use “Sow” in a sentence?

Here is “Sow” used in a sentence: “The farmer moved the sow and her piglets into a clean pen.”

What part of speech is “Sow”?

Depending on how it is used, “Sow” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “Sow” come from?

The word “Sow” comes from Old English. From Old English sāwan ("to scatter seed"), from a very old Germanic root shared with "seed.".

Is “Sow” a common word?

“Sow” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “Sow” have?

“Sow” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an adult female pig, especially one that has had a litter.

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