Farm: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿšœ
Add to dictionary

farm

 

[fษ‘หm ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

agriculture

A piece of land used for growing crops or raising animals, typically for commercial purposes. Farms can vary in size from small family-run operations to large industrial farms.

Synonyms

estate, plantation, ranch.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
farm

See first 'farm'.

plantation

Refers to a large farm, especially in tropical or subtropical regions, where crops like coffee, sugar, or cotton are grown. Often historically associated with colonial exploitation and slavery, giving it a negative connotation.

  • They visited an old coffee plantation in Brazil.
  • The history of the cotton plantation is tied to the era of slavery.
ranch

Denotes a large farm primarily focused on raising livestock, such as cattle or sheep. Common in the United States, particularly in the West, and associated with cowboy culture.

  • They spent their summers working on a horse ranch.
  • The cattle ranch spanned thousands of acres.
estate

Usually means a large area of land with an impressive house, often owned by wealthy individuals. It can include farms, gardens, and forests, and is generally more luxurious than a typical farm.

  • The estate was passed down through the family for centuries.
  • The old duke lived on a huge estate with many servants.

Examples of usage

  • The farmer works on the farm every day.
  • They have a dairy farm with over 100 cows.
  • We visited a strawberry farm and picked our own berries.
Context #2 | Verb

agriculture

To work on the land in order to raise crops or animals. It involves activities like planting, cultivating, and harvesting.

Synonyms

cultivate, grow, harvest.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
farm

Use 'farm' when referring to the practice of managing and operating a farm, which includes the production of crops and raising livestock.

  • They decided to farm the land their grandparents left them
cultivate

Use 'cultivate' when focusing on the preparation and care of land and crops, involving processes like planting, weeding, and tending to plants.

  • They spent the whole season cultivating the roses in their garden
grow

Use 'grow' when talking about the process of plants increasing in size, number, or maturity. This word can also refer to the act of encouraging plant growth.

  • They decided to grow tomatoes in their backyard
harvest

Use 'harvest' when referring to the act of gathering mature crops from the fields. It often implies the end of the growing season.

  • It's time to harvest the corn for the upcoming festival

Examples of usage

  • The farmers farm the fields in the spring.
  • They have been farming this land for generations.
  • She decided to farm organic vegetables.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The practice of farming dates back over 10,000 years when humans began to settle and cultivate crops instead of just gathering wild food.
  • Early farms were small and community-focused, with families growing food for their own needs and bartering with neighbors.
  • The development of agriculture led to the rise of civilizations, allowing people to establish permanent homes and expand their communities.

Cultural Significance

  • Many cultural traditions and festivals around the world celebrate harvest seasons, showing the importance of farms in providing food.
  • Farms have been pivotal in shaping local economies and cuisines, reflecting the agricultural practices and ingredients of a region.
  • Folklore and stories often feature farms as settings for growth, family, and the cycle of life, connecting people to the land.

Environmental Impact

  • Farming practices greatly affect biodiversity, with methods like monoculture reducing plant variety and impacting local ecosystems.
  • Sustainable farming techniques aim to balance productivity with environmental stewardship, promoting soil health and biodiversity.
  • Organic farming emphasizes natural processes, benefiting both the environment and consumer health by reducing chemical usage.

Technology and Innovation

  • Modern technology, such as drones and precision agriculture tools, improves efficiency in farming and crop management.
  • Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have created crops that are more resistant to pests and diseases, impacting global food supply.
  • Vertical farming techniques allow for crop growth in urban areas, utilizing minimal space and resources, effectively tackling food scarcity.

Psychology and Society

  • Studies show that spending time on farms can lower stress levels and improve mental health, connecting people with nature.
  • Community-supported agriculture involves direct partnerships between farmers and consumers, creating a sense of community and shared responsibility.
  • The image of a farm often evokes feelings of nostalgia and simplicity, offering a connection to nature that many people crave in a fast-paced world.

Translations

Translations of the word "farm" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น fazenda

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคซเคพเคฐเฅเคฎ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Bauernhof

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ pertanian

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั„ะตั€ะผะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ farma

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ่พฒๅ ด (ใฎใ†ใ˜ใ‚‡ใ†)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท ferme

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ granja

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท รงiftlik

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋†์žฅ (nongjang)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ุฒุฑุนุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ farma

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ farma

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅ†œๅœบ (nรณngchวŽng)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ kmetija

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ bรบgarรฐur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั„ะตั€ะผะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒคแƒ”แƒ แƒ›แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ferma

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ granja

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,081, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.