1
: an adult female swine
also
: the adult female of various other animals (such as a bear)
2
a
: a channel that conducts molten metal to molds
b
: a mass of metal solidified in such a mold : ingot
sowed; sown
ˈsōn 
or sowed; sowing
or sowed; sowing
1
: to plant seed for growth especially by scattering
2
: to set something in motion : begin an enterprise
1
a
: to scatter (seed) upon the earth for growth
broadly
: plant sense 1a
b
: to strew with or as if with seed
c
: to introduce into a selected environment : implant
2
: to set in motion : foment
sow suspicion
3
: to spread abroad : disperse
Synonyms
Examples of sow in a Sentence
Verb
Every year we sow corn.
Farmers sowed the fields with corn.
We'll sow in the early spring.
Recent Examples on the Web
Chris Boyette, CNN, 29 Oct. 2024
The European Union today has a number of protections for agricultural animals, including the banning of sow stalls for pregnant pigs, intensive confinement of young calves, and barren cages for egg-laying hens.
—Miyun Park, Foreign Affairs, 13 Feb. 2012
Justin Curto, Vulture, 11 Nov. 2024
In recent years, China has attempted to sow skepticism of the United States among the Taiwanese population, as well.
—David Sacks, Foreign Affairs, 8 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for sow 
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show current usage.
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Noun
The outlet said investigators are trying to determine if the suspect is a pro-Palestinian activist or someone trying sow discord.
—Chris Boyette, CNN, 29 Oct. 2024
The European Union today has a number of protections for agricultural animals, including the banning of sow stalls for pregnant pigs, intensive confinement of young calves, and barren cages for egg-laying hens.
—Miyun Park, Foreign Affairs, 13 Feb. 2012
Verb
So call it fate, or maybe justice, that nearly 20 years later, Walk Hard is sowing doubt in the star of Mangold’s upcoming Bob Dylan biopic, A Complete Unknown.
—Justin Curto, Vulture, 11 Nov. 2024
In recent years, China has attempted to sow skepticism of the United States among the Taiwanese population, as well.
—David Sacks, Foreign Affairs, 8 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for sow
Dictionary Entries Near sow
Cite this Entry
“Sow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sow. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
sow
1 of 2 noun
: an adult female hog
also
: the adult female of various other animals (as a bear)
sow
2 of 2 verb
sowed; sown
ˈsōn
or sowed; sowing
or sowed; sowing
1
a
: to plant seed for growth especially by scattering
c
: to scatter with or as if with seed
d
: to put into a selected environment : distribute
2
: to set in motion : foment
sowing the seeds of suspicion
3
: to spread over a wide area : disperse, disseminate
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