bushel
B2Formal, technical (agriculture/commerce), literary (idiomatic use).
Definition
Meaning
A unit of dry measure for grain, fruit, etc., equal to 8 imperial gallons (≈36.37 litres) in the UK, or 35.24 litres in the US.
Can refer to a container holding this amount; figuratively, a large amount or quantity. Also used in idioms like 'hide one's light under a bushel' (to conceal one's talents).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a measurement term. Figurative and idiomatic uses are less common and often formal or literary. The plural is typically 'bushels' when referring to multiple units.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The imperial bushel (UK) and US bushel differ slightly in volume. The term is more prevalent in agricultural contexts in both regions but may be heard more in rural US speech.
Connotations
Connotes tradition, farming, and bulk produce. In the US, can evoke rustic or heartland imagery.
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday modern conversation outside specific industries (farming, commodities). Higher frequency in historical texts, agriculture reports, and certain idioms.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[verb] + bushel(s) + of + [noun] (e.g., produce/gather/harvest a bushel of)by + the + bushel (adverbial)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “hide one's light under a bushel”
- “by the bushel”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in commodities trading (e.g., 'Wheat futures per bushel').
Academic
Found in historical or agricultural economics texts.
Everyday
Rare, except in rural communities or when using the idiom.
Technical
Precise measurement in agriculture, horticulture, and some industrial standards.
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- The farm yielded thirty bushels of barley per acre.
- He bought a bushel of Bramley apples for baking.
American English
- Corn prices rose to over $6 a bushel.
- We picked a bushel of peaches at the orchard.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The farmer has a bushel of potatoes.
- We need about a bushel of apples to make cider for the festival.
- The government's subsidy was calculated per bushel of wheat produced.
- She has a keen intellect but tends to hide her light under a bushel in meetings.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a BUShel as a large BUSket full of grain.
Conceptual Metaphor
QUANTITY IS VOLUME (e.g., 'bushels of gratitude').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'бушель' (direct loan, same meaning). The idiom 'hide one's light under a bushel' has no direct equivalent; translating it literally will confuse.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'bushel' for liquid measure (incorrect). Saying 'a bushel' for a small quantity.
- Confusing 'bushel' with 'bush' (the plant).
Practice
Quiz
What does the idiom 'hide one's light under a bushel' mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but primarily in agricultural, commercial, and historical contexts. Its everyday use is limited to certain regions and idioms.
A UK (imperial) bushel is about 36.37 litres, while a US bushel is about 35.24 litres. This is important in precise trade and historical analysis.
Rarely and informally, meaning 'to alter or repair (clothing)' (e.g., 'bushel a tailor's seams'), but this is obsolete. The standard part of speech is a noun.
You can use it to mean 'a large amount,' e.g., 'He has a bushel of ideas.' This is somewhat informal and creates a rustic or vivid image.