Plant
/plænt/
Definitions
4 meaningsA living organism that grows in the ground, like a tree, flower, or grass.
/plænt/
A living organism of the kind exemplified by trees, shrubs, herbs, grasses, ferns, and mosses, typically growing in a permanent site, absorbing water and inorganic substances through its roots, and synthesizing nutrients in its leaves by photosynthesis using the green pigment chlorophyll.
The children helped to water the plants in the garden.
💡 Simply: Imagine your favorite houseplant. A plant is something that grows from the ground, needs sunlight and water, and gives the world some beauty and maybe even some tasty food!
👶 For kids: A plant is something like a tree or a flower that grows from the ground and has leaves and roots.
More Examples
Scientists study the different types of plants found around the world.
The desert plant had adapted to survive with very little water.
How It's Used
"The plant requires sunlight and water to thrive."
"She tends to her plants every day."
A building where something is manufactured or produced, like a factory.
/plænt/
A place where an industrial process is carried on; a factory.
The company invested in a new manufacturing plant.
💡 Simply: Think of a factory where they make cars or a power plant that makes electricity. It's a place where things are made on a large scale!
👶 For kids: A plant is a place where they make things, like a factory.
More Examples
The power plant provides electricity to the local community.
Workers at the plant are on strike.
How It's Used
"The car plant announced a new production schedule."
"The power plant provides electricity to the entire city."
To put a seed or a young plant into the ground to grow.
/plænt/
Place (a seed or plant) in the ground so that it can grow.
They will plant the seeds in the spring.
💡 Simply: When you plant a seed, you're putting it into the soil so it can start growing, like putting a tiny treasure in the ground!
👶 For kids: To plant is to put a seed or small plant in the ground so it can grow.
More Examples
She planted a row of roses along the fence.
The gardener is planting flowers in the flowerbed.
How It's Used
"I am going to plant some tomatoes in the garden today."
"Farmers plant crops in the spring."
To secretly put something in a place, especially something harmful or illegal.
/plænt/
Put (something) in a specified place.
The spy planted a listening device in the office.
💡 Simply: If someone 'plants' something, they put it somewhere, often secretly, to make something happen, maybe even trick someone, like planting evidence.
👶 For kids: Sometimes, 'plant' means to put something somewhere secretly.
More Examples
The police believed the suspect had planted the weapon.
They will plant a flag on the mountain top.
How It's Used
"The agents plant a device in enemy territory."
"The detective will plant evidence at the crime scene."
Synonyms
Flora
Herb
Factory
Mill
Bury
Cultivate
Conceal
Insert
Place
Idioms & expressions
plant a kiss
To give a quick, light kiss.
"He planted a kiss on her cheek before leaving for work."
plant one's feet
To stand firmly and resolutely.
"He planted his feet and refused to move."
From Old English *plante*, from Latin *planta* 'sprout, cutting, herb', from *planta* 'sole of the foot' (referring to a young shoot planted in the ground).
The word plant has been used in English since the 13th century, initially referring to a young shoot or a cutting. The meaning extended to include the broader sense of a living organism by the 15th century. The industrial usage of 'plant' as a factory began to appear later, in the 18th century.
Memory tip
Think of the ground, the roots, and the sun; the basic needs to grow a plant!
Practice
Word Origin
Root: planta