Sew vs. Sow — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on October 24, 2023
"Sew" refers to stitching materials together with a needle and thread, while "sow" means to plant seeds in the ground. Both are verbs with different meanings and applications.
Difference Between Sew and Sow
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Sew" and "sow" are homophones, meaning they sound alike but have different meanings and spellings. While "sew" relates to the act of joining materials with stitches, "sow" pertains to the action of planting seeds in the ground.
When one uses the term "sew," it often brings to mind activities such as tailoring, embroidery, or mending clothes. In contrast, mentioning "sow" conjures images of agriculture, farming, or gardening, where seeds are dispersed into soil.
The art of sewing can be seen in various aspects of daily life, from the clothes we wear to decorative home items like quilts. However, "sow" primarily deals with the commencement of the plant's life cycle, where seeds are introduced to soil for germination.
Over time, "sew" has also found metaphorical uses, such as "sewing the seeds of discord," which ironically integrates the concept of sowing. On the other hand, "sow" in idioms like "you reap what you sow" emphasizes consequences based on prior actions.
In summary, "sew" and "sow" are distinct in meaning and context, with "sew" focusing on stitching materials and "sow" on planting seeds, yet they are phonetically similar, leading to potential confusion if not used accurately.
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Comparison Chart
Meaning
To join with stitches
To plant seeds
Related Field
Tailoring, embroidery
Agriculture, gardening
Grammatical Use
"Sew" is typically transitive
"Sow" can be both transitive and intransitive
Past Tense
Sewed
Sowed
Example Context
Repairing clothes
Planting crops in a field
Compare with Definitions
Sew
To stitch together materials with a needle and thread.
She learned to sew at a young age.
Sow
To plant seeds in the ground for growth.
Farmers sow wheat in the fall.
Sew
To mend or repair by stitching.
He had to sew the tear in his jeans.
Sow
To scatter or spread.
He decided to sow wildflower seeds in his backyard.
Sew
To create stitches, especially in embroidery.
She loves to sew intricate patterns on pillowcases.
Sow
To introduce or implant feelings or ideas.
Their actions sow distrust among the community.
Sew
Join, fasten, or repair (something) by making stitches with a needle and thread or a sewing machine
She sewed the seams and hemmed the border
I don't even sew very well
Sow
To begin a process that will yield consequences.
If you sow kindness, you will reap love.
Sew
To make, repair, or fasten by stitching, as with a needle and thread or a sewing machine
Sew a dress.
Sew on a button.
Sow
To disseminate or propagate.
Fake news can sow confusion among the public.
Sew
To furnish with stitches for the purpose of closing, fastening, or attaching
Sew an incision closed.
Sow
To scatter (seed) over the ground for growing.
Sew
To work with a needle and thread or with a sewing machine.
Sow
To scatter seed over (land, for example).
Sew
(transitive) To use a needle to pass thread repeatedly through (pieces of fabric) in order to join them together.
Balls were first made of grass or leaves held together by strings, and later of pieces of animal skin sewn together and stuffed with feathers or hay.
Sow
To strew something around or over (an area); distribute something over
"The yard was sown with cement sculpture" (Ashley Warlick).
Sew
(intransitive) To use a needle to pass thread repeatedly through pieces of fabric in order to join them together.
Sow
To propagate; disseminate
Sow rumors.
Sew
(transitive) Followed by into: to enclose by sewing.
To sew money into a bag
Sow
To scatter seed for growing.
Sew
To drain the water from.
Sow
An adult female pig, especially one that has had at least one litter.
Sew
(nautical) Of a ship, to be grounded.
Sow
The adult female of several other animals, such as the bear.
Sew
(obsolete) Broth, gravy.
Sow
A channel that conducts molten iron to the molds in a pig bed.
Sew
Juice; gravy; a seasoned dish; a delicacy.
I will not tell of their strange sewes.
Sow
The mass of metal solidified in such a channel or mold.
Sew
To follow; to pursue; to sue.
Sow
A female pig.
Sew
To unite or fasten together by stitches, as with a needle and thread.
No man also seweth a piece of new cloth on an old garment.
Sow
A female bear, she-bear.
Sew
To close or stop by ssewing; - often with up; as, to sew up a rip.
Sow
A female guinea pig.
Sew
To inclose by sewing; - sometimes with up; as, to sew money in a bag.
Sow
A channel that conducts molten metal to molds.
Sew
To practice sewing; to work with needle and thread.
Sow
A mass of metal solidified in a mold.
Sew
To drain, as a pond, for taking the fish.
Sow
A contemptible, often fat woman.
Sew
Fasten by sewing; do needlework
Sow
A sowbug.
Sew
Create (clothes) with cloth;
Can the seamstress sew me a suit by next week?
Sow
(military) A kind of covered shed, formerly used by besiegers in filling up and passing the ditch of a besieged place, sapping and mining the wall, etc.
Sew
To enclose or secure with stitches.
She decided to sew the button back on her shirt.
Sow
(ambitransitive) To scatter, disperse, or plant (seeds).
When I had sown the field, the day's work was over.
As you sow, so shall you reap.
Sew
To make or manufacture by sewing.
My grandmother used to sew dresses for the entire family.
Sow
(figurative) To spread abroad; to propagate.
Sow
(figurative) To scatter over; to besprinkle.
Sow
Obsolete spelling of sew
Sow
To sew. See Sew.
Sow
To scatter, as seed, upon the earth; to plant by strewing; as, to sow wheat. Also used figuratively: To spread abroad; to propagate.
A sower went forth to sow; and when he sowed, some seeds fell by the wayside.
And sow dissension in the hearts of brothers.
Sow
To scatter seed upon, in, or over; to supply or stock, as land, with seeds. Also used figuratively: To scatter over; to besprinkle.
The intellectual faculty is a goodly field, . . . and it is the worst husbandry in the world to sow it with trifles.
[He] sowed with stars the heaven.
Now morn . . . sowed the earth with orient pearl.
Sow
To scatter seed for growth and the production of a crop; - literally or figuratively.
They that sow in tears shall reap in joi.
Sow
The female of swine, or of the hog kind.
Sow
A sow bug.
Sow
A channel or runner which receives the rows of molds in the pig bed.
Sow
A kind of covered shed, formerly used by besiegers in filling up and passing the ditch of a besieged place, sapping and mining the wall, or the like.
Sow
An adult female hog
Sow
Place (seeds) in or on the ground for future growth;
She sowed sunflower seeds
Sow
Introduce into an environment;
Sow suspicion or beliefs
Sow
Place seeds in or on (the ground);
Sow the ground with sunflower seeds
Common Curiosities
Are "sew" and "sow" pronounced the same way?
Yes, they are homophones and sound alike.
What is the past tense of "sew"?
The past tense of "sew" is "sewed."
Can "sow" be used in a non-agricultural context?
Yes, such as in the phrase "sow doubt" or "sow discord."
Can "sew" be used to mean planting seeds?
No, "sew" specifically refers to stitching materials.
What is the tool commonly associated with "sew"?
The primary tools for sewing are a needle and thread.
Is there a noun form of "sow" related to planting?
The act of planting seeds can be referred to as "sowing."
Is "sow" only associated with farming?
Primarily, but it can also be used metaphorically to mean spreading ideas or feelings.
Can "sew" be used as a noun?
Rarely. The act of sewing is typically referred to as "sewing."
What is a "sow" in the context of animals?
A "sow" can also mean a female pig.
Is "sow" always used in relation to seeds?
Mostly, but it can also refer to introducing ideas or feelings.
When talking about "sowing seeds," is it always literal?
No, it can be metaphorical, as in "sowing the seeds of doubt."
Do machines that "sew" have a special name?
Yes, they are called sewing machines.
What is the device used to "sow" seeds called?
It's often referred to as a "seed drill" or "seeder."
Are there different types of sewing, such as hand and machine?
Yes, sewing can be done by hand or with a sewing machine.
Can I say "I sewed seeds in my garden"?
No, the correct term is "I sowed seeds in my garden."
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
