Scythe: meaning, definitions and examples

Add to dictionary

scythe

 

[ saɪð ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

farming tool

A scythe is a hand-held agricultural tool used for mowing grass or reaping crops. It consists of a long, curved blade that is attached to a straight handle. Traditionally, it is swung to cut through vegetation, making it effective for harvesting grain and hay.

Synonyms

mower, reeper, sickle

Examples of usage

  • He used a scythe to cut the tall grass in the meadow.
  • The farmer sharpened his scythe before the harvest season.
  • In the past, villagers gathered with their scythes to help with the haymaking.
  • The old painting depicted a reaper wielding a scythe in the field.

Translations

Translations of the word "scythe" in other languages:

🇵🇹 foice

🇮🇳 कुल्हाड़ी

🇩🇪 Sichel

🇮🇩 sabit

🇺🇦 косою

🇵🇱 kosy

🇯🇵 

🇫🇷 faux

🇪🇸 guadaña

🇹🇷 orak

🇰🇷 

🇸🇦 مِحْرَاث

🇨🇿 kosy

🇸🇰 kosy

🇨🇳 镰刀

🇸🇮 kosir

🇮🇸 snípur

🇰🇿 сабан

🇬🇪 ქლიბი

🇦🇿 tökmə

🇲🇽 guadaña

Word origin

The word 'scythe' originates from Old English 'sīþe', which is derived from Proto-Germanic '*sīþō'. This term can be traced back to Proto-Indo-European roots that convey the meaning of cutting or chopping. Over the centuries, the scythe evolved as a crucial tool for agriculture, becoming synonymous with harvest time and rural labor. It has been featured in various cultural contexts, often symbolizing the passage of time and the cycle of life, notably represented in literature and art alongside the Grim Reaper. The design of the scythe has remained relatively unchanged, speaking to its effectiveness and importance in human history.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,418, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.