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Gleaning Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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gleaning

[ɡliːnɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

farming, harvesting

Gleaning is the act of collecting leftover crops from fields after they have been harvested. Traditionally, it has been a practice that provides food and resources for those in need, allowing them to gather what remains post-harvest. It often involves gathering small quantities of produce that may have been overlooked or discarded. Gleaning can also refer to the collection of knowledge or information from various sources.

Synonyms

collecting, foraging, harvesting, scavenging.

Examples of usage

  • She spent the afternoon gleaning the fields for any leftover vegetables.
  • The organization organized a gleaning event to help feed the local homeless.
  • Gleaning has become a popular way to reduce food waste.
  • After the harvest, they went gleaning to gather more resources.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In various cultures, gleaning is seen as an important practice for community support, helping feed those in need.
  • Many religious texts mention gleaning; for example, the Bible encourages this practice to ensure the less fortunate can gather food.
  • Gleaning festivals are celebrated in some agricultural communities, promoting sustainability and sharing of resources.

Agricultural Practices

  • Gleaning helps to reduce waste, as it allows for the collection of crops that would otherwise rot in the fields.
  • This technique can benefit local ecosystems by providing food for wildlife.
  • Farmers often allow gleaning to help promote goodwill and community relations, as well as to maintain the land.

Modern Interpretations

  • Today, gleaning is also used metaphorically in education to describe the collection of knowledge or information from various sources.
  • Numerous organizations now focus on gleaning food from farms and distributing it to food banks, addressing hunger issues.
  • Some community-driven projects encourage urban gleaning by collecting surplus from gardens or markets to share with those in need.

Origin of 'gleaning'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French 'glener', which means 'to gather' or 'to collect'.
  • Its roots trace back to the Latin 'glennare', which refers to gathering grain.
  • Gleaning has historically been a way for the poor to collect extra food after the wealthy farmers have harvested.

The term 'gleaning' has its roots in the Middle English word 'glenen,' which means 'to gather or collect.' This, in turn, originates from the Old French term 'glener' and the Latin word 'glanare,' meaning 'to glean or gather.' Historically, gleaning was a common practice among agrarian societies where it served as a means for the poor to access food. Laws in various cultures have often protected the rights of gleaners, highlighting the social significance of this practice throughout time. Gleaning embodies both a practical approach to food security and a cultural tradition, reflecting the community's responsibility to minimize waste and share resources.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,406 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.