English Meaning & Definitions
The upper layer of earth in which plants grow, a black or dark brown material typically consisting of a mixture of organic remains, clay, and rock particles.
- “The heavy clay soil in the garden needs to be enriched with compost.”
- “Farmers depend on fertile soil to produce a bountiful harvest every year.”
To make something dirty or stained.
- “He accidentally soiled his white shirt with tomato sauce during dinner.”
- “Muddy boots will quickly soil the clean carpets in the hallway.”
Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown
Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “soil”.
Middle English (in the sense ‘ground, land’): from Old French soil, from Latin solum ‘floor, foundation, soil’ (compare with sole of the foot). The verb dates from Middle English, meaning ‘to mire or stain,’ reinforced in the 16th century by Old French souillier ‘to soil’ (from Late Latin *submaculare).
Plants grow in the soil, which helps us to 'spoil' them with too much water if we aren't careful.
Frequently Asked Questions About “soil”
1. What is the meaning of “soil” in English?
In English, soil (noun) is defined as: “The upper layer of earth in which plants grow, a black or dark brown material typically consisting of a mixture of organic remains, clay, and rock particles.”.
2. How do you use “soil” in a sentence?
“The heavy clay soil in the garden needs to be enriched with compost.”
4. What is the etymology and word origin of “soil”?
Middle English (in the sense ‘ground, land’): from Old French soil, from Latin solum ‘floor, foundation, soil’ (compare with sole of the foot). The verb dates from Middle English, meaning ‘to mire or stain,’ reinforced in the 16th century by Old French souillier ‘to soil’ (from Late Latin *submaculare).
🇬🇧More English Words to English
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A specific duration of time equal to one hour and forty-six minutes and twelve seconds.
The cardinal number equal to one thousand million (1,000,000,000), expressed in scientific notation as 10^9.
A specific duration of time equivalent to one hour and forty-six minutes.