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farrow

verb
far·​row | \ ˈfer-(ˌ)ō How to pronounce farrow (audio) , ˈfa-(ˌ)rō\
farrowed; farrowing; farrows

Definition of farrow

 (Entry 1 of 3)

transitive verb

: to give birth to (a farrow)

intransitive verb

of swine : to bring forth young —often used with down

farrow

noun

Definition of farrow (Entry 2 of 3)

1 : a litter of pigs
2 : an act of farrowing

farrow

adjective

Definition of farrow (Entry 3 of 3)

of a cow
: not pregnant

Examples of farrow in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

 A few years ago, a proposal (still pending) to put a 25,000-hog farrowing operation in Bayfield County led Dougherty to join the fight against corporate farms. — Nancy Stohs, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Wisconsin cookbook authors blend necessity, tradition," 29 Aug. 2017 Boars, particularly farrowing sows protecting their young, can be aggressive, charging and attacking intruders. — Helen Macdonald, New York Times, "A Hint of Danger in the Forest," 4 Feb. 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'farrow.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of farrow

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Noun

1577, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for farrow

Verb

Middle English farwen, from Old English *feargian, from Old English fearh young pig; akin to Old High German farah young pig, Latin porcus pig

Adjective

Middle English (Scots) ferow

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More Definitions for farrow

farrow

transitive verb
far·​row | \ ˈfar-(ˌ)ō, -ə(-w) How to pronounce farrow (audio) \

Medical Definition of farrow

 (Entry 1 of 3)

: to give birth to (a farrow)

intransitive verb

of swine : to bring forth young —often used with down

farrow

noun

Medical Definition of farrow (Entry 2 of 3)

1 : a litter of pigs
2 : an act of farrowing

farrow

adjective

Medical Definition of farrow (Entry 3 of 3)

of a cow
: not pregnant

More from Merriam-Webster on farrow

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with farrow

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