Hoe Meaning and Definition
Hoe
Pronunciation
/hoʊ/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A tool used for weeding, cultivating, and harvesting plants, typically consisting of a long handle with a flat, broad blade.
Examples
- The gardener used a hoe to till the soil for planting.
- A hoe is essential for maintaining a well-manicured lawn.
Synonyms
- Weeding tool
- Cultivator
Antonyms
- Edger
- Pruner
Etymology
The word “Hoe” originated from the Old English word “hō”, which referred to a tool used for working the soil.
Usage Notes
A hoe is typically used in a vertical or angled motion to remove weeds, debris, or excess soil.
Cultural References
In the 19th-century novel “Wuthering Heights” by Emily Brontë, the character Heathcliff is described as using a hoe to till the soil.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “Break a hoe over someone’s back” – a phrase used to describe a severe reprimand or punishment.
Related Words or Phrases
- Weed
- Cultivate
- Gardening
Collocations
- Hoe and rake
- Hoe and fertilizer
Frequency of Use
The word “Hoe” is relatively uncommon in everyday language, but is still used in gardening and agricultural contexts.
Common Misspellings
- Hoa
- Hoer