strow: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Extremely Low / ArchaicLiterary, Poetic, Archaic
Quick answer
What does “strow” mean?
An archaic or poetic variant of 'strew', meaning to scatter or spread loosely over a surface.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An archaic or poetic variant of 'strew', meaning to scatter or spread loosely over a surface.
Used almost exclusively in literary or historical contexts to describe the act of spreading things like flowers, sand, or seeds in a casual or untidy manner. It implies a covering or sprinkling.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No contemporary regional difference exists, as the word is not in active use in either variety. It might be marginally more recognised in British texts due to the preservation of archaic forms in classic literature.
Connotations
Connotes antiquity, poetic diction, and perhaps a certain formality or rustic charm.
Frequency
Virtually never used in spoken or written modern English outside of deliberate archaic styling.
Grammar
How to Use “strow” in a Sentence
Someone strows something (on/over something)Something is strown with somethingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “strow” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The mourners would strow roses upon the grave.
- Ancient rites required them to strow the sacred ground with herbs.
American English
- The poet wrote of winds that strow autumn leaves across the lane.
- They would strow grain for the chickens in the farmyard.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never used.
Academic
Only in historical linguistics or analysis of older literary texts.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
Never used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “strow”
- Using it in modern contexts; confusing its past participle 'strown' with 'strewn' (both exist but 'strewn' is standard).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'strow' is considered an archaic or poetic form. The modern and standard verb is 'strew'.
The traditional past participle is 'strown', but it is largely superseded by 'strewn' from the verb 'strew'.
It is strongly discouraged. Using archaic vocabulary can confuse the reader and will not demonstrate knowledge of modern, active English. Use 'scatter' or 'strew' instead.
For recognition purposes only, to understand older poetry and literature (e.g., works by Shakespeare, Spenser, or the King James Bible). It is not for active use.
An archaic or poetic variant of 'strew', meaning to scatter or spread loosely over a surface.
Strow is usually literary, poetic, archaic in register.
Strow: in British English it is pronounced /strəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /stroʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None in modern usage”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'STROW' as 'STReOw' – imagine scattering STRAW (sounds like 'strow') on an OLD barn floor.
Conceptual Metaphor
SCATTERING IS DECORATING/CONCEALING (e.g., 'strow flowers' decorates a path; 'strow ashes' conceals the ground).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the verb 'strow' be most appropriate?