Soil: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in agricultural and environmental contexts to describe the top layer of the earth where plants grow.

• The soil in this region is very fertile
• Farmers test the soil to improve crop yield

Commonly used in everyday language to refer to unclean substances on surfaces; sometimes used in a negative sense.

• Wash the dirt off your hands before eating
• The floor is covered in dirt

Often used in a broader, more formal sense to denote the entire planet or the ground in a general way.

• The astronaut returned to Earth after a year in space
• We dug deep into the earth to find the treasure

Used to refer to the solid surface of the earth, especially in outdoor settings.

• The kids are playing on the ground outside
• He planted the seeds in the ground

In agriculture and gardening, specifically refers to a type of fertile soil that is a mix of sand, silt, and clay.

• Loam soil is perfect for growing vegetables
• The gardener mixed loam with compost to enrich the garden

Refers to the top layer of the earth where plants grow. Often used in gardening, agriculture, and environmental contexts.

• The soil in this region is very fertile
• Make sure to test the soil before planting your vegetables

Refers to the process of preparing land for growing crops or the act of nurturing plants. Also used metaphorically in the context of developing skills or relationships.

• Farmers cultivate the land each spring
• It's important to cultivate good habits
• He has cultivated a deep friendship with her

Specifically refers to the act of turning over the soil in preparation for planting. Commonly used in farming contexts.

• Farmers plow the fields before sowing seeds
• He used a tractor to plow the land

Describes the action of breaking and moving earth with a tool, such as a shovel. Can be in gardening, construction, or general contexts where digging is involved.

• They dig a hole to plant the tree
• We need to dig a trench for the pipes
• She loves to dig in the garden