plough

[ plou ]

noun

, Chiefly British.

1. plow.

Plough

¹

/ plaʊ /

noun

1. the Plough
   the Plough the group of the seven brightest stars in the constellation Ursa Major Also known asCharles's Wain Usual US namethe Big Dipper

plough

²

/ plaʊ /

noun

1. an agricultural implement with sharp blades, attached to a horse, tractor, etc, for cutting or turning over the earth
2. any of various similar implements, such as a device for clearing snow
3. a plane with a narrow blade for cutting grooves in wood
4. (in agriculture) ploughed land
5. put one's hand to the plough
   put one's hand to the plough to begin or undertake a task

verb

1. to till (the soil) with a plough
2. to make (furrows or grooves) in (something) with or as if with a plough
3. whenintr, usually foll by through to move (through something) in the manner of a plough

   the ship ploughed the water

4. intrfoll bythrough to work at slowly or perseveringly
5. intr; foll by into or through (of a vehicle) to run uncontrollably into something in its path

   the plane ploughed into the cottage roof

6. tr; foll by in, up, under, etc to turn over (a growing crop, manure, etc) into the earth with a plough
7. slang.
   intr to fail an examination

Derived Forms

• ˈplougher, noun

Other Words From

• un·ploughed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of plough¹

Old English plōg plough land; related to Old Norse plogr, Old High German pfluoc

Example Sentences

As the ice receded, we devised more means of survival and comfort—stone dwellings, ploughs, wheeled vehicles.

From Singularity Hub 

I order a swing-top bottle of German beer, and then Erik and I plough through a couple liters of red wine.

From The Daily Beast

Existing methodology can involve plough-like, armor-plated machines, handheld metal detectors and sniffer dogs.

From The Daily Beast

E was an Esquire, with pride on his brow; F was a Farmer, and followed the plough.

From Project Gutenberg

But I will plough one more field this week; though, I know not why it is, my thoughts go against it even now.

From Project Gutenberg

Since words have different meanings, we may sometimes find that a pair of words exemplify all three Laws, as plough and sword.

From Project Gutenberg

Day after day while the spring ploughing went on, the strange pair followed the plough together.

From Project Gutenberg

There was also one at the Plough and Harrow, and several may stil be found in the neighbourhood.

From Project Gutenberg