Sow Meaning and Definition
Sow
Pronunciation
/soʊ/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A female pig, especially one that has given birth to a litter.
Etymology
The word “Sow” has Old English origins, derived from the Proto-Germanic word “*swinaz”, which is also the source of the Modern English word “swine”.
Usage Notes
The term “Sow” is often used in agriculture to refer to a female pig that is kept for breeding purposes.
Cultural References
Sows have appeared in various forms of media, including literature, film, and television. For example, the character Hamlet’s famous soliloquy includes the phrase “What a piece of work is a man! How noble in reason! how infinite in faculties!… Well, what’s the matter that thy name is Sow?”.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Sow is sometimes used in idiomatic expressions, such as “sow my wild oats” or “sow the seeds of discord”, meaning to indulge in wild or aimless behavior or to cause harm or trouble.
Related Words or Phrases
- Pig
- Litter
Collocations
- to sow wild oats
- to sow seeds
Frequency of Use
Sow is a relatively uncommon word in modern English language, but it is still widely used in agricultural and agricultural-related contexts.
Common Misspellings
- Sour
- Soury