Bales Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/beɪlz/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A bundle of harvested and pressed hay, straw, or other plant material, typically tied with twine or wire.

Examples

• The farmer loaded the truck with freshly cut bales of hay.
• The bales of straw were stacked high in the storage room.

Etymology

The word “bales” comes from Old English “bæl” or “bælða”, meaning “bundle” or ” bundle of goods”, and has been in use since the 14th century.

Usage Notes

When referring to bales, it’s common to use terms like “dry” or “wet” to describe the hay or straw, and “good” or “bad” to describe the quality.

Cultural References

Bales are often featured in rural or agricultural settings in literature, film, and television, such as in the classic novel “To Kill a Mockingbird” or the TV show “The Crown.”

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• Stack the bales high
• Loading the bales

Related Words or Phrases

• Hay
• Straw
• Bundle

Collocations

• Fresh bales of hay
• Stable bales of straw

Frequency of Use

Bales are relatively common in agricultural contexts, but less frequently used in everyday conversation.

Common Misspellings

• Balees
• Baleys