noun

vetch

VETCH

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Vetch (noun) means any of various leguminous plants of the genus Vicia and related plants in the subfamily Faboideae, often grown as green manure or for their edible seeds. Example: “The farmer sowed vetch to improve the soil over winter.”

noun

Any of various leguminous plants of the genus Vicia and related plants in the subfamily Faboideae, often grown as green manure or for their edible seeds.

"The farmer sowed vetch to improve the soil over winter."

"Vetch seeds are sometimes used as animal feed."

"Purple vetch flowers were scattered along the hedgerow."

How to use vetch

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA leafy climbing plant, related to peas and beans, often grown to feed the soil or animals.

When to use it

It is a fairly specialist term, mostly used in farming and gardening contexts.

Memory tip

Vetch is always closely tied to farming, so expect to meet it in contexts about soil, feed or crops.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

fitch →

Common pairings

sow vetch vetch seeds a field of vetch vetch as green manure

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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”.

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

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The farmer sowed _____ to improve the soil over winter.

Etymology

The word comes from Middle English forms such as vecche and fecche, which came from Old Northern French veche, a variant of Old French vece, itself from Latin vicia.

Origin: Old Northern French

Rhymes for vetch

tch etch itch Dutch catch batch pitch bitch watch witch hutch hatch

See all rhymes for vetch →

Frequently asked questions

What is vetch used for?

It is commonly grown as green manure to enrich soil, and its seeds are used as animal feed.

Is vetch a type of legume?

Yes, vetch belongs to the genus Vicia and the wider legume subfamily Faboideae.

Is vetch related to fitch?

Yes, vetch and fitch come from the same Old French root and are doublets of each other.

What is the meaning of vetch?

"vetch" (noun) means any of various leguminous plants of the genus Vicia and related plants in the subfamily Faboideae, often grown as green manure or for their edible seeds.