Plough: meaning, definitions and examples

Used primarily in British English and in most Commonwealth countries to describe the action of turning over soil in preparation for planting crops.

• The farmer used a horse to plough the field.
• She took the tractor out to plough the land for the upcoming planting season.

Used primarily in American English with the same meaning as 'plough', to referred to tilling soil for farming.

• In the spring, they will plow the fields to get ready for the new crop.
• He spent the entire day using the plow to prepare the garden.

Use when referring specifically to the action of turning over the soil in preparation for planting seeds. It is typically used in agricultural contexts and can also figuratively mean to continue working on something with effort.

• The farmer used a plough to prepare the field for the new crop.
• Despite the difficulties, she continued to plough through her studies.

Refers specifically to the act of preparing the soil by mechanical means for planting. It can also metaphorically mean to work hard on a task, although it is less commonly used in this sense.

• They till the land every autumn to get it ready for the next planting season.
• She continues to till away at her novel, hoping to finish it soon.

Best suited for describing the general practice of preparing land for growing crops or fostering growth in a broader sense, such as skills or relationships.

• They decided to cultivate the land to grow organic vegetables.
• He works hard to cultivate a positive relationship with his team.