sow
sow Lexical Profile
sow Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To plant seed for growth by scattering it on or in the earth.
"In early spring, the agricultural workers begin to sow the wheat across the fertile valley."
To spread, introduce, or initiate something, especially an abstract feeling or condition such as doubt, discord, or chaos.
"The foreign intelligence agency attempted to sow confusion and distrust among the voting public."
• noun
An adult female pig.
"The farmer moved the sow and her newborn piglets into a warm, dry pen."
The adult female of various other mammals, such as bears, badgers, or guinea pigs.
"The hikers carefully backed away when they spotted a grizzly sow foraging with her cubs in the distance."
Word Nuance & Usage
The noun 'sow' (a female pig) is pronounced /saʊ/ (rhyming with 'cow'), whereas the verb 'sow' (to plant seeds) is pronounced /soʊ/ (rhyming with 'go'), making them heteronyms. Additionally, the verb is a homophone with 'sew' (to stitch).
• Rhymes for sow
Word Origin & Etymology
The noun comes from Old English 'sū' (pig), tracing back to a Proto-Indo-European root for swine. The verb comes from a distinct Old English word 'sāwan' (to scatter seed), deriving from the Proto-Indo-European root '*seh₁-' (to sow).
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.