sow

1 of 2

noun

ˈsau̇ 

1

: an adult female swine

also : the adult female of various other animals (such as a bear)

2

a

: a channel that conducts molten metal to molds

b

: a mass of metal solidified in such a mold : ingot

sow

2 of 2

verb

ˈsō 

sowed; sown ˈsōn  or sowed; sowing

intransitive verb

1

: to plant seed for growth especially by scattering

2

: to set something in motion : begin an enterprise

transitive verb

1

a

: to scatter (seed) upon the earth for growth

broadly : plant sense 1a

b

: to strew with or as if with seed

c

: to introduce into a selected environment : implant

2

: to set in motion : foment

sow suspicion

3

: to spread abroad : disperse

Synonyms

Verb

• bestrew
• dot
• pepper
• scatter
• spot
• spray
• sprinkle
• strew

Examples of sow in a Sentence

Verb

Every year we sow corn.

Farmers sowed the fields with corn.

We'll sow in the early spring.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

For the last one hundred years, Russia has used the same set of tactics to discredit, sow division and chaos, introduce mistrust, and seek to undermine democratic institutions. —Peter Suciu, Forbes, 6 Sep. 2024

Ten years ago, Smithfield Foods phased out its use of hog gestation crates, metal enclosures with concrete floors in which breeding sows may spend nearly their entire adult lives. —Steven M. Wise, Foreign Affairs, 11 July 2016

Verb

The goal seems to be sowing division, and further dividing America politically. —Peter Suciu, Forbes, 10 Sep. 2024

Their attempts in 2016 were sprawling and sophisticated, analyses of the efforts found, and involved extensive efforts to sow division among Americans and erode trust in democratic institutions through social media. —Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 4 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English sowe, from Old English sugu; akin to Old English & Old High German sū sow, Latin sus pig, swine, hog, Greek hys

Verb

Middle English, from Old English sāwan; akin to Old High German sāwen to sow, Latin serere, Lithuanian sėti

First Known Use

Noun

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

Verb

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

Phrases Containing sow

• plant/sow a seed of
• plant/sow the seeds of
• self-sow
• sow bug
• sow one's (wild) oats
• sow thistle

Kids Definition

sow

1 of 2 noun

ˈsau̇ 

: an adult female hog

also : the adult female of various other animals (as a bear)

sow

2 of 2 verb

ˈsō 

sowed; sown ˈsōn  or sowed; sowing

1

a

: to plant seed for growth especially by scattering

b

: plant entry 1 sense 1a

c

: to scatter with or as if with seed

d

: to put into a selected environment : distribute

2

: to set in motion : foment

sowing the seeds of suspicion

3

: to spread over a wide area : disperse, disseminate

sower

ˈsō(-ə)r 

noun