Plow vs. Plough: What's the Difference?
By Aimie Carlson & Janet White || Updated on March 4, 2024
Plow and plough are two spellings of the same farming tool used for turning soil but differ primarily in regional usage, with "plow" being preferred in American English and "plough" in British English.
Key Differences
The term "plow" refers to a farm implement used to cut, lift, and turn over soil, preparing it for sowing seeds or planting. In American English, "plow" is the standard spelling for this tool, reflecting the American preference for simpler, phonetically intuitive spellings. On the other hand, "plough" is the spelling used in British English and other varieties of English outside the United States. This difference in spelling is indicative of the broader linguistic distinctions between American and British English, which include variations in vocabulary, pronunciation, and orthography.
Despite the difference in spelling, both "plow" and "plough" describe the same agricultural device and serve the same primary function in farming. They can be pulled by animals such as oxen, horses, or mules, or attached to tractors for more efficient soil turning. The choice of spelling does not affect the tool's design, function, or use in agriculture but rather reflects regional linguistic preferences.
The historical development of the English language has led to these variations in spelling. American English has undergone spelling reform, which aimed to simplify certain British spellings. Noah Webster's dictionary, for example, played a significant role in standardizing the "plow" spelling in the United States. Meanwhile, British English has retained many of the traditional spellings, including "plough," which can be traced back to Old English.
In literature and historical texts, the spelling used can indicate the origin or the intended audience of the work. Authors and publishers typically choose the spelling that aligns with their or their audience's variant of English. This consistency helps maintain linguistic coherence and cultural identity within the text.
In digital and global contexts, both spellings are recognized and understood, thanks to the widespread use of English and the accessibility of international publications. However, spell-checkers and autocorrect features may default to the regional setting of the software, suggesting "plow" in American English settings and "plough" in British English settings.
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Comparison Chart
Spelling
American English standard
British English standard
Pronunciation
Same for both spellings
Same for both spellings
Usage
Preferred in the United States
Preferred in the UK, Canada, and other English-speaking countries outside the US
Historical Context
Reflects American spelling reform
Retains traditional English spelling
Function
Agricultural tool for turning soil
Same as plow
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Plow and Plough Definitions
Plow
Can be manual or tractor-driven.
Modern farms use tractor-driven plows for efficiency.
Plough
A British English term for a soil-turning tool.
The plough is ready for the sowing season.
Plow
A farm implement consisting of a strong blade at the end of a beam, usually hitched to a draft team or motor vehicle and used for breaking up soil and cutting furrows in preparation for sowing.
Plough
Operated by animals or machines.
Horse-drawn ploughs were common in historical farming.
Plow
An implement or machine designed to move earth, snow, or other material by means of a strong blade.
Plough
Maintains traditional English spelling.
British English retains the 'plough' spelling.
Plow
To break and turn over (earth) with a plow.
Plough
Universal in application, varied in design.
Ploughs vary in design but share the same purpose.
Plow
To form (a furrow, for example) with a plow.
Plough
A farm implement consisting of a strong blade at the end of a beam, usually hitched to a draft team or motor vehicle and used for breaking up soil and cutting furrows in preparation for sowing.
Plow
To form furrows in with a plow
Plow a field.
Plough
An implement or machine designed to move earth, snow, or other material by means of a strong blade.
Plow
To form wrinkles or creases in
His forehead was plowed with lines of stress.
Plough
Plow See Big Dipper.
Plow
To move or clear (snow, for example) by means of a plow.
Plough
To break and turn over (earth) with a plow.
Plow
To clear (an area) of snow or other material by means of a plow.
Plough
To form (a furrow, for example) with a plow.
Plow
To make or form with driving force
I plowed my way through the crowd.
Plough
To form furrows in with a plow
Plow a field.
Plow
To progress through (water)
Plow the high seas.
Plough
To form wrinkles or creases in
His forehead was plowed with lines of stress.
Plow
Vulgar Slang To have intercourse with (another). Used of a man.
Plough
To move or clear (snow, for example) by means of a plow.
Plow
To break and turn up earth with a plow.
Plough
To clear (an area) of snow or other material by means of a plow.
Plow
To move or clear material such as snow with a plow.
Plough
To make or form with driving force
I plowed my way through the crowd.
Plow
To admit of plowing
Rocky earth plows poorly.
Plough
To progress through (water)
Plow the high seas.
Plow
To move or progress with driving force
The ball carrier plowed through the defensive line.
Plough
Vulgar Slang To have intercourse with (another). Used of a man.
Plow
To proceed laboriously; plod
Plowed through the backlog of work.
Plough
To break and turn up earth with a plow.
Plow
(American spelling) plough
Plough
To move or clear material such as snow with a plow.
Plow
(American spelling) plough
Trucks plowed through the water to ferry flood victims to safety.
Plough
To admit of plowing
Rocky earth plows poorly.
Plow
A well-known implement, drawn by horses, mules, oxen, or other power, for turning up the soil to prepare it for bearing crops; also used to furrow or break up the soil for other purposes; as, the subsoil plow; the draining plow.
Where fern succeeds ungrateful to the plow.
Plough
To move or progress with driving force
The ball carrier plowed through the defensive line.
Plow
Fig.: Agriculture; husbandry.
Plough
To proceed laboriously; plod
Plowed through the backlog of work.
Plow
A carucate of land; a plowland.
Johan, mine eldest son, shall have plowes five.
Plough
A device pulled through the ground in order to break it open into furrows for planting.
The horse-drawn plough had a tremendous impact on agriculture.
Plow
A joiner's plane for making grooves; a grooving plane.
Plough
The use of a plough; tillage.
Plow
An implement for trimming or shaving off the edges of books.
Plough
Alt form|en|Plough}} ({{synonym of Ursa Major)
Plow
Same as Charles's Wain.
Plough
Alternative form of ploughland, an alternative name for a carucate or hide.
Plow
To turn up, break up, or trench, with a plow; to till with, or as with, a plow; as, to plow the ground; to plow a field.
Plough
A joiner's plane for making grooves.
Plow
To furrow; to make furrows, grooves, or ridges in; to run through, as in sailing.
Let patient Octavia plow thy visage upWith her prepared nails.
With speed we plow the watery way.
Plough
A bookbinder's implement for trimming or shaving off the edges of books.
Plow
To cut a groove in, as in a plank, or the edge of a board; especially, a rectangular groove to receive the end of a shelf or tread, the edge of a panel, a tongue, etc.
Plough
(yoga) A yoga pose resembling a traditional plough, halāsana.
Plow
To labor with, or as with, a plow; to till or turn up the soil with a plow; to prepare the soil or bed for anything.
Doth the plowman plow all day to sow ?
Plough
(transitive) To use a plough on soil to prepare for planting.
I've still got to plough that field.
Plow
A farm tool having one or more heavy blades to break the soil and cut a furrow prior to sowing
Plough
(intransitive) To use a plough.
Some days I have to plough from sunrise to sunset.
Plow
To break and turn over earth especially with a plow;
Farmer Jones plowed his east field last week
Turn the earth in the Spring
Plough
To move with force.
Trucks ploughed through the water to ferry flood victims to safety.
Plow
Deal with verbally or in some form of artistic expression;
This book deals with incest
The course covered all of Western Civilization
The new book treats the history of China
Plough
To furrow; to make furrows, grooves, or ridges in.
Plow
Move in a way resembling that of a plow cutting into or going through the soil;
The ship plowed through the water
Plough
(nautical) To run through, as in sailing.
Plow
A tool for turning soil in preparation for planting.
The farmer used a plow to prepare the fields for spring.
Plough
(bookbinding) To trim, or shave off the edges of, as a book or paper, with a plough.
Plow
Part of agricultural machinery.
The plow is essential for modern agriculture.
Plough
(joinery) To cut a groove in, as in a plank, or the edge of a board; especially, a rectangular groove to receive the end of a shelf or tread, the edge of a panel, a tongue, etc.
Plow
Reflects American spelling conventions.
American English prefers the spelling 'plow' for simplicity.
Plough
To fail (a student).
Plow
Used across various farming cultures.
Plows are used worldwide, with regional variations in design.
Plough
To have sex with, penetrate.
Plough
See Plow.
Plough
A group of seven bright stars in the constellation Ursa Major
Plough
A farm tool having one or more heavy blades to break the soil and cut a furrow prior to sowing
Plough
Move in a way resembling that of a plow cutting into or going through the soil;
The ship plowed through the water
Plough
To break and turn over earth especially with a plow;
Farmer Jones plowed his east field last week
Turn the earth in the Spring
Plough
Integral to farming practices.
The plough has evolved but remains central to farming.
FAQs
Is there any functional difference between a plow and a plough?
No, the terms refer to the same farming tool; the difference is purely in spelling.
How has the plow/plough evolved over time?
While the basic function remains the same, modern plows/ploughs may be more efficient and easier to use, often attached to tractors.
Why does American English prefer "plow" over "plough"?
American English often adopts simplified spellings, and "plow" reflects this trend.
Why does British English retain the "plough" spelling?
British English tends to preserve more traditional spellings, including "plough."
Can "plow" and "plough" be used interchangeably?
Yes, but the choice of spelling should consider the regional audience or standard.
Are there any environmental concerns associated with plowing/ploughing?
Yes, excessive plowing/ploughing can lead to soil erosion and loss of nutrients. Conservation tillage methods are recommended to mitigate these effects.
What is the historical origin of the plow/plough?
The plow/plough dates back thousands of years, with early versions being used in ancient civilizations such as Egypt and Mesopotamia for agriculture.
Are there different types of plows/ploughs?
Yes, there are various designs, including moldboard, chisel, and disc plows/ploughs, each suited for different soil conditions and tasks.
How does the choice of spelling affect reading and writing?
It primarily affects consistency and adherence to regional language standards in written communication.
Can modern technology replace traditional plows/ploughs?
While technology has enhanced the efficiency and ease of use of plowing/ploughing equipment, the basic function of turning the soil remains essential to agriculture.
Has technology changed the use of plows/ploughs in farming?
Yes, technological advancements have made plowing/ploughing more efficient, though the tool's fundamental purpose remains unchanged.
Do plows/ploughs have cultural significance?
Yes, as essential tools in agriculture, plows/ploughs hold cultural significance in many societies, symbolizing farming and fertility.
What materials are plows/ploughs made from?
Traditionally, plows/ploughs were made from wood and metal, but modern ones are primarily constructed from steel and other durable materials for efficiency and longevity.
How do you choose the right type of plow/plough for your farm?
The choice depends on several factors including soil type, crop being planted, and the size of the farm. Consultation with agricultural experts is recommended for the best selection.
What is the significance of plowing/ploughing in sustainable agriculture?
Proper plowing/ploughing practices are crucial for sustainable agriculture, helping to maintain soil health and reduce erosion.
What are the training requirements for operating a plow/plough?
Operating modern plows/ploughs, especially those attached to tractors, requires training in machinery use, safety procedures, and understanding of soil and crop needs.
How do seasonal changes affect plowing/ploughing activities?
Plowing/ploughing is typically done in preparation for planting seasons. The timing can vary depending on climate, soil conditions, and the specific crop cycle.
What role did the plow/plough play in historical agriculture?
The plow/plough was crucial for turning soil, controlling weeds, and preparing land for planting, significantly impacting agricultural productivity.
How has the spelling of plow/plough changed over time?
The spelling "plough" is the older form, while "plow" emerged as part of American English spelling reform. The evolution reflects broader changes in English orthography.
How do plow/plough innovations impact food production?
Innovations in plow/plough design and function have increased agricultural efficiency and productivity, playing a significant role in supporting global food production.
About Author
Written by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
Co-written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
