WordGarden.ioharvest
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /hˈɑːvɪst/
US
- /ˈhɑrvəst/
Meanings
Noun
the gathering of mature crops
the crop or yield gathered
a result or amount obtained from effort
Verb
to gather mature crops
to collect something useful from a source
Beyond the definition
The word "harvest" usually brings to mind golden fields and ripe crops being gathered in the fall. That is still its main meaning: farmers harvest wheat, corn, grapes, or apples when they are ready. The word can also be used more broadly for collecting useful things, especially after time and effort. For example, people may harvest data, solar energy, or organs for medical use. In a figurative sense, it can describe getting the results of work, planning, or patience.
"Harvest" originally referred to the gathering of ripe crops, such as wheat, corn, grapes, or apples, usually in late summer or autumn. Imagine farmers working through the season and then finally bringing in what the land has produced. This is still the heart of the word. As a noun, it can mean the act of gathering crops or the crops gathered themselves: "The harvest was good this year."
Over time, "harvest" also developed wider uses. As a verb, it can mean collecting something valuable for use, especially from a natural source or a larger body of material. People harvest fish from the sea, timber from forests, energy from sunlight, and data from surveys or websites. In these cases, the idea is still one of gathering something useful after a process.
The word can also appear in figurative language about results and rewards. Someone may speak of harvesting the benefits of careful work or a long-term plan. This use keeps the same basic picture: effort comes first, and the results are gathered later. English also often uses the noun in this broader way, as in "a rich harvest of ideas" or "the harvest of years of research."
From fields of grain to stores of data, "harvest" tells a simple story: something grows, develops, or becomes ready, and then someone comes to gather it.
Examples
- 1
Farming
Farmers will harvest the wheat in late August.
- 2
Olive picking
We spent the morning harvesting olives from the trees behind the house.
- 3
Crop damage
The storm destroyed much of the harvest.
- 4
Large yield
The farm had a bumper harvest after a warm, dry summer.
- Phrasebumper harvest
an unusually large harvest
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Seasonal work
During harvest season, extra workers come to the area.
- 6
Data collection
Some websites harvest personal data without people realizing it.
- Patternharvest data
collect large amounts of it
- 7
Energy capture
New sensors can harvest energy from sunlight and vibration.
- Patternharvest energy
capture and use natural energy
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- harvestnounverb
Forms
- harvestedpast tenseverbnoun
- harvesting-ing formverbnoun
- harvestspluralnounverb