Sow: meaning, definitions and examples

This word specifically refers to an adult female pig, particularly one that has had piglets. It is often used in farming and animal husbandry contexts.

• The sow gave birth to a large litter of piglets last night
• The farmer moved the sow to a different pen to provide more space for her and the piglets

This term is a more general term used to describe any female pig, regardless of age or whether she has had piglets. It is appropriate in both everyday conversation and in contexts where the specific term 'sow' might not be well known.

• The female pig was separated from the others for medical care
• The zoo just acquired a new female pig for their exhibit

This word is a general term for a domesticated animal. It can refer to pigs of any age or gender and is commonly used in everyday language.

• The children loved visiting the farm to see the pigs
• Pigs are known for being intelligent and social animals

This term generally refers to a fully grown pig, often over 120 pounds. It can also sometimes carry a negative connotation when used to describe a person who eats greedily. In farming, it can describe both male and female pigs.

• The hogs were fed twice a day with a special grain mix
• He called his friend a hog for taking the last piece of cake

Often used in the context of agriculture or gardening to describe the act of planting seeds in the ground. Typically, this word implies a more methodical and deliberate process.

• Farmers sow the fields with wheat in the spring.
• She sowed the vegetable garden with carrots and lettuce.

Typically used when referring to placing seeds, plants, or trees in the ground to grow. It can be used both in gardening and agricultural contexts but also more broadly for other types of growth.

• They plan to plant a row of bushes along the fence.
• We planted some flowers in the backyard last weekend.

Can be used as a verb meaning to plant seeds, usually in a more general or broad sense. It may also refer to the initial stage of starting something new, like a project or idea.

• In the fall, farmers seed the fields for the next year’s crop.
• The company decided to seed the new product in select markets first.

Implies a less organized method of spreading seeds by throwing them in various directions. It can also be used metaphorically for spreading objects, ideas, or people.

• The children scattered the sunflower seeds across the lawn.
• She scattered breadcrumbs on the path to feed the birds.