What does windrow mean?
A windrow is a long, usually narrow row of material brought together in an orderly line. In its most familiar agricultural sense, it refers to cut hay or grain arranged to dry, be collected, or be gathered later. The word can also describe rows of leaves, soil, snow, or other debris formed by wind, machinery, or human sweeping. As a verb, “to windrow” means to arrange material in such rows, as with a mower, rake, or specialized windrowing machine. Windrows are practical rather than decorative: they make material easier to dry, transport, collect, or remove. The word is used in both British and American English and is especially familiar in farming and land-management contexts. Although it may sound technical, it is a vivid and useful term because it captures the distinctive appearance of a material gathered into a deliberate, linear band.
A long row of cut hay, grain, leaves, or other material gathered together, especially in a field.
"The workers arranged the hay into windrows along the edge of the field."
The agricultural sense is the most common; the term is also used for rows of material swept or deposited by wind.
To rake, sweep, or gather material into a row or series of rows.
"The machine windrows the leaves after they have been collected."
Often used in farming and grounds-maintenance contexts.
The standard plural of the noun is “windrows.”
"Several long windrows of hay stretched across the field."
A windrow is nature's tidy line: the neat trail a mower or rake leaves behind.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of windrow
Windrow is an English compound formed from the elements “wind” and “row.” Both elements are attested in Old English: “wind” for moving air and “rōw” for a line or ridge. In the compound, the word refers to a line of material gathered or arranged by the action of wind, mowing, or raking. The agricultural meaning developed naturally from the practice of placing cut crops in rows for drying and later collection.
Related word forms
How windrow is actually used
The word is especially common in agriculture, horticulture, grounds maintenance, and rural or environmental reporting. It is formal enough for technical writing but remains readily understandable in general prose.
Easily confused with windrow
A windrow is a row or gathered line of cut material, whereas a window is an opening in a wall or vehicle.