Soil
/sɔɪl/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe upper layer of earth, in which plants grow. It is a mixture of organic matter, minerals, gases, liquids, and organisms that together support life.
/sɔɪl/
The upper layer of earth in which plants grow.
The soil in the garden is rich with nutrients.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're planting a seed. The soil is the stuff the seed goes into, like the earth in your garden. It gives the plant nutrients and helps it grow.
👶 For kids: The stuff on the ground where plants grow!
More Examples
Healthy soil is essential for growing food.
They tested the soil to see what kind of plants would thrive.
How It's Used
"Farmers carefully test the soil to determine the best crops to plant."
"Soil erosion is a serious threat to the environment."
To make dirty or stained; to defile.
/sɔɪl/
To make dirty or stained.
He soiled his trousers while working in the garden.
💡 Simply: When you 'soil' something, it's like you're getting it dirty, like getting mud on your shoes or spilling juice on your shirt.
👶 For kids: To get something dirty.
More Examples
The puppy soiled the new rug.
Be careful not to soil your clothes.
How It's Used
"He accidentally soiled his new shirt with mud."
"Be careful not to soil the carpet."
Idioms & expressions
fertile soil
Soil rich in nutrients that supports plant growth.
"The farmer was pleased with the fertile soil in his field."
to break ground
To begin a construction project or start a new endeavor.
"The company is preparing to break ground on its new headquarters next month."
From Middle English soil, soyl, from Old French soil (ground, dirt), from Latin solum (ground, bottom).
Historically, 'soil' has been used to describe both the ground and to also describe the act of making something dirty.
Memory tip
Think of the word 'soil' like the dirt on the ground. It's where plants live and get their food.
Word Origin
"ground, bottom"