furrow

1 of 2

noun

fur·​row ˈfər-(ˌ)ō 

ˈfə-(ˌ)rō

1

a

: a trench in the earth made by a plow

b

: plowed land : field

2

: something that resembles the track of a plow: such as

a

: a marked narrow depression : groove

tracing a fingernail along a furrow in the corduroy of her housecoat

—Douglass Wallop

b

: a deep wrinkle

furrows in his brow

furrow

2 of 2

verb

furrowed; furrowing; furrows

transitive verb

: to make furrows, grooves, wrinkles, or lines in

intransitive verb

: to make or form furrows, grooves, wrinkles, or lines

Synonyms

Noun

• crease
• crimp
• crinkle
• wrinkle

Verb

• break
• plow

Examples of furrow in a Sentence

Noun

We plowed furrows in the field.

When he frowns a deep furrow forms in his brow.

Verb

His forehead furrows when he frowns.

we had to furrow the field before we could plant the wheat

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The identity of Santos’ killer possibly lurked within the intricate ridges and furrows of that handprint. —Rick Jervis, The Courier-Journal, 31 May 2024

Any attempt by the new administration in Washington to plow the old furrows is destined to fail. —Moshe Yaalon, Foreign Affairs, 12 Dec. 2016

Verb

When Jeff revealed it, my brow furrowed in sync with Kenzie’s own. —Tom Smyth, Vulture, 8 May 2024

For about 15 minutes, the otter laid on the end of his board, rolled around a bit, and continued to chew, Anderle said Tuesday, showing about a dozen punctures and furrows the creature’s teeth left in the foam surfboard top. —Ethan Baron, The Mercury News, 28 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Verb

Middle English furgh, forow, from Old English furh; akin to Old High German furuh furrow, Latin porca

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Phrases Containing furrow

• plough a lone/lonely furrow
• plough one's own furrow
• plough the same furrow

Kids Definition

furrow

1 of 2 noun

fur·​row ˈfər-ō 

ˈfə-rō

1

: a trench in the earth made by or as if by a plow

2

: a narrow groove or wrinkle

furrow

2 of 2 verb

: to make furrows, grooves, wrinkles, or lines in

Medical Definition

furrow

noun

fur·​row ˈfər-(ˌ)ō, -ə(-w); ˈfə-(ˌ)rō, -rə(-w) 

1

: a marked narrow depression or groove

2

: a deep wrinkle