hoe

Definition

Any of various tools for scraping, scratching, digging, or stirring soil or other materials.

Etymology

From Middle English howe, from Anglo-Norman houe, from Frankish *hauwā, derivative of Frankish *hauwan (“to hew”), from Proto-Germanic *hawwaną. More at hew.

Example Sentences

• "For their organic row crops, they do the weeding with hoes. They get in there often, but it goes fast, and the weeds never get ahead."
• "It was obvious that it consisted of several blows to the head from the hoe."
• "The grading is on hold. In the meantime, get that hoe over here and work on this utility trench. [Instructions issued to a worker who will operate a backhoe]"