What does sickle mean Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈsɪkəl/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A curved blade, typically used for harvesting or cutting crops, with a handle attached to the curved end.

Examples

• The farmer used a sickle to harvest the wheat.
• A sickle is a common tool in many agricultural communities.

Synonyms

• Scythe
• Reaper

Antonyms

• Plow
• Tractor

Additional Information

The sickle has been an essential tool in agriculture for thousands of years, with evidence of its use dating back to ancient civilizations in Egypt, Greece, and Rome. It is typically used for harvesting crops such as wheat, barley, and oats. The curved shape of the sickle allows for efficient cutting and gathering of crops.

In modern times, the sickle has largely been replaced by mechanical harvesting equipment, but it is still used in many parts of the world, particularly in small-scale or traditional farming communities. The sickle is also used as a symbol in various cultures, often representing the harvest season or the cycle of life and death.

Etymology

The word “sickle” comes from the Old English word “sicol,” which is derived from the Latin word “sicil,” meaning “a curved knife or scimitar.” The Latin word is thought to be derived from the Greek word “siklon,” meaning “a curved sword or scimitar.”

Usage Notes

The word “sickle” can be used as a noun or a verb. As a noun, it refers to the curved blade used for harvesting or cutting crops. As a verb, it means to cut or harvest crops using a sickle.

Cultural References

The sickle has appeared in various cultural references, including literature, art, and music. In literature, the sickle is often used as a symbol of the harvest season or the cycle of life and death. In art, the sickle is often depicted in paintings and sculptures as a symbol of agriculture or the harvest season.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

There are several idiomatic expressions or phrases that include the word “sickle,” including “sickle-shaped” and “sickle-cell anemia.”

Related Words or Phrases

Some related words or phrases to “sickle” include “scythe,” “reaper,” “harvest,” and “agriculture.”

Collocations

Some common collocations with the word “sickle” include “sickle and sheaf,” “sickle-shaped,” and “sickle-cell anemia.”

Frequency of Use

The word “sickle” is not commonly used in modern language, but it is still used in certain contexts, such as in agriculture or in cultural references.

Common Misspellings

Some common misspellings of the word “sickle” include “sikle,” “sickel,” and “sikkel.”