Sheave: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is primarily used in agriculture or historical contexts to refer to a bundle of grain stalks, such as wheat, that is tied together after being cut. It has a somewhat old-fashioned ring to it.

• The farmer gathered the wheat into a sheave before taking it to the barn.
• In medieval times, a sheave of barley was a common sight during harvest season.

This is a more general term that can be used in everyday language to refer to a collection of items that are tied or wrapped together. It can apply to a wide range of objects, not just grains or crops.

• She carried a bundle of newspapers to the recycling bin.
• There was a bundle of clothes on the bed, waiting to be folded.

This can refer to a neat pile of similar objects, often arranged systematically. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can describe anything that is arranged in a pile, not necessarily agricultural products.

• He placed the books in a stack on his desk.
• There was a stack of paperwork waiting for her attention.

In an agricultural setting, this refers specifically to a group of sheaves of grain set upright in a field to dry. It is more technical and less commonly used in everyday conversation.

• The workers arranged the sheaves into shocks to dry before threshing them.
• A row of shocks stood in the field, a testament to the day's hard work.

Primarily used in agricultural or historical contexts, 'sheave' refers to the action of binding harvested grain stalks into bundles or the bundle itself.

• The farmers sheaved the wheat in the field
• The sheaves of barley were stacked neatly in the barn

Used in a general sense, 'bind' means to tie or secure something together. It can refer to both physical binding and metaphorical situations like agreements or constraints.

• He used a rope to bind the sticks together
• The contract will bind both parties to these terms

Commonly used to describe the act of making a collection of items into a neat package. It can be physical items or abstract concepts like deals or offers.

• She bundled the clothes and put them in the suitcase
• The software comes bundled with several useful tools

Used to describe the act of bringing things or people together, 'gather' can be used in both physical and metaphorical contexts.

• Let's gather some flowers for the bouquet
• She managed to gather her thoughts and speak clearly