What does row mean?
Row is a versatile English word whose meaning depends strongly on context. In its most familiar sense, it is a line or sequence of people or things: a row of seats, a row of houses, or a row of products. In a more conversational sense, a row is a noisy argument, and “to row” means to quarrel noisily. Row also refers to a journey in a boat, as in “a row on the lake,” while the verb “to row” means to propel a boat using oars. Its two main pronunciations help distinguish these meanings: the arrangement and boat senses generally use /roʊ/, while the noise and quarrel senses use /raʊ/. Although many uses are neutral and practical, “row” can suggest disorder, conflict, or confusion when describing noise or an argument.
A line or sequence of people or things arranged one behind or beside another; also, a noisy argument, a loud confused noise, or an outing in a boat.
"A row of old houses lined the narrow street."
The quarrel and noise senses are pronounced /raʊ/ in British English and often in American English as well.
To propel a boat with oars, or to engage in a noisy argument.
"They rowed across the river and argued about where to stop."
The boat sense is normally pronounced /roʊ/; the quarrel sense is normally /raʊ/.
Used for multiple lines, sequences, arguments, or boat outings.
"Several rows of seats were already occupied."
One small word carries two unrelated pronunciations: a row of seats sounds like “roe,” but a noisy row sounds like “how.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does row come from?
The word has more than one historical origin. The sense meaning a line or sequence comes from Old English rōw, a Germanic word related to terms for a line, row, or rank in other Germanic languages. The boat sense comes through Middle English from Old Norse reyr, meaning a boat, while the meanings connected with noise and quarrelling developed separately in Middle English. Modern English uses the same spelling for these historically distinct groups of meanings.
Related word forms
How row is actually used
The pronunciation depends on meaning: the line and boat senses are usually /roʊ/, while the noise and quarrel senses are usually /raʊ/, especially in British English. “A row of” is common for an arrangement or sequence, while “kick up a row” means to create a disturbance or complaint. “Go for a row” is an established, slightly traditional expression for taking a boat trip.
Easily confused with row
Roe is the eggs of fish, while a row is a line, a quarrel, or a boat outing.