Meaning of Word
The word “hoe” primarily refers to a garden tool used for digging, breaking up soil, or weeding. It can also be a verb, referring to the act of using a hoe for these tasks.
Definitions and Meaning in English
- Hoe (noun): A long-handled tool with a flat blade at the end, typically used for digging or moving earth in gardening or farming.
- Hoe (verb): To use a hoe to break up soil, clear weeds, or till land.
History and Origin
The word “hoe” originates from Old English hōh, which is related to the Old High German hōh and the Old Norse hǫgg, all referring to a digging or cutting tool. The concept of the hoe dates back to ancient civilizations, where it was essential for agricultural work.
Detailed Explanation
The hoe is an agricultural tool traditionally used for cultivating soil, loosening dirt, and uprooting weeds. It has a long handle with a horizontal blade at the end, making it effective for tasks like creating furrows or breaking up compacted earth. Hoes are still widely used today in both small-scale gardening and large farming operations. The motion of using the hoe is typically a back-and-forth sweeping or chopping motion, which allows the user to move soil or weeds efficiently.
Example Sentences (9 examples)
- The farmer used the hoe to prepare the field for planting.
- She spent the afternoon hoeing the garden to remove the weeds.
- After a long day of hoeing, his back ached from the repetitive motion.
- The tool shed had several hoes, each designed for different gardening tasks.
- He grabbed a hoe and began to break up the hard ground in the backyard.
- With a quick motion, she hoed the row of vegetables to ensure they would grow well.
- They used the hoe to dig a trench for the irrigation system.
- The hoe was one of the first tools invented for agricultural purposes.
- After hoeing the garden, he planted seeds in the freshly tilled soil.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Spade: A tool similar to a hoe, but with a pointed blade for digging.
- Trowel: A small hand tool used for digging and gardening tasks, often more precise than a hoe.
- Rake: A tool used for gathering leaves or leveling soil, different in shape but similar in function for gardening.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Plow: A large farming tool used for turning the soil, typically on a larger scale than a hoe.
- Cultivate: The process of preparing the land for planting, often done using a hoe or similar tools.
- Weeding: The process of removing unwanted plants (weeds) from a garden or field, often done with a hoe.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Garden tool: A category of equipment used for gardening, which includes hoes, shovels, and rakes.
- Farming equipment: Tools and machines used for agricultural work, including the hoe, tractor, and plow.
- Soil tilling: The process of turning over soil to prepare it for planting, typically done using a hoe or plow.
Antonyms
- Plant: The act of placing seeds or plants into the soil, which is the opposite of digging or cultivating with a hoe.
- Water: The action of adding water to plants, which contrasts with using a hoe to prepare or work the soil.
- Leave undisturbed: Not to use a hoe, meaning to avoid disrupting the soil or plants.
