What does plow mean?
A plow is a farm implement with a cutting blade or moldboard that turns and loosens soil in preparation for planting. The related verb describes performing that work, and by extension it can describe moving forcefully through snow, mud, a crowd, or a difficult task. Plow is especially common in American English, while British English traditionally favors plough. The word is also the basis of familiar compounds such as snowplow, where the machine clears accumulated snow from roads and paths. In figurative use, “plowing through” emphasizes persistence, effort, or an unimpeded forward course, often in a physical or practical context. Although modern tractors often pull several specialized implements rather than a traditional plow, the word remains central to agricultural vocabulary and carries familiar associations with cultivation, labor, and seasonal work.
An agricultural implement with a blade or moldboard used to turn over and loosen soil.
"The old plow was attached behind the tractor."
The traditional form is also spelled plough in British English. In modern farming, a plow is one of several implements used to prepare soil.
To turn and cultivate soil with a plow; by extension, to move through or work through a surface or area with determined effort.
"They plowed the field before the spring planting."
The word can be used figuratively and in compounds such as snowplow, meaning to clear or push aside snow.
The standard plural is used for multiple agricultural implements or for separate actions.
"The farmer inspected the plows before the season began."
From a blade that cuts the soil to a “snowplow” that clears winter roads, the plow is one of farming’s most recognizable tools.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does plow come from?
The word comes from Old English plōw, meaning a plough or plow, and is related to forms in other Germanic languages, including Dutch ploeg and German Pflug. The spelling plow reflects the ordinary American pronunciation of the word, whereas the traditional British spelling plough preserves the historical vowel spelling. The related forms plowman and plowshare developed from the agricultural meaning, while snowplow applies the word to a machine that pushes snow aside.
Related word forms
How plow is actually used
Plow is the standard spelling in American English. British English commonly uses plough, although plow is also understood and increasingly used. The verb can be extended metaphorically to describe forceful progress through a difficult surface or task.
Easily confused with plow
A plow is an agricultural implement or the act of turning soil, whereas a ploy is a trick or deceptive maneuver intended to gain an advantage.
Plough is the traditional British spelling of the American spelling plow; the two forms refer to the same implement and verb in their respective varieties of English.