agriculture

noun

ag·​ri·​cul·​ture ˈa-gri-ˌkəl-chər How to pronounce agriculture (audio)
: the science, art, or practice of cultivating the soil, producing crops, and raising livestock and in varying degrees the preparation and marketing of the resulting products
cleared the land to use it for agriculture
agriculturist noun

Examples of agriculture in a Sentence

They cleared the land to use it for agriculture. the forest was cut down, and the land given over to agriculture
Recent Examples on the Web Agricultural crops at risk Indiana’s agriculture adds about $35 billion each year to the state’s economy, and false springs due to climate change could threaten overall production of some of Hoosier’s main exports. Karl Schneider, The Indianapolis Star, 8 Mar. 2024 Economists and business analysts point to a number of factors: Some are cyclical, such as the major role agriculture plays in the state economy. Don Lee, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2024 Researchers later claimed that the Younger Dryas impact prompted a turn toward agriculture in Eurasia and eventually, civilization. Zach St. George, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2024 But language inserted into the House of Representatives’ agriculture appropriations bill would nullify the recent changes and prevent additional protections. Gavin Off, Charlotte Observer, 4 Mar. 2024 Gabriel Soto addresses animal agriculture with a painting of a cow whose udders leak an endless stream of milk. Mark Jenkins, Washington Post, 1 Mar. 2024 However, the state's agriculture department alleges that his products have been connected to E. coli outbreaks in two other states. Anders Hagstrom, Fox News, 29 Feb. 2024 The audit affirms reporting by The Arizona Republic in 2022 that found outdated appraisals and limited regulation hamstrung the state from monitoring water use and charging fair market rate on thousands of acres of land leased for agriculture. Stacey Barchenger, The Arizona Republic, 24 Feb. 2024 Since the full-scale invasion in 2022, DFC has surged its efforts to mobilize private capital and support Ukrainian businesses in agriculture, small business, energy, and health. Scott Nathan, Fortune, 23 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'agriculture.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin agricultura, from ager field + cultura cultivation — more at acre, culture

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of agriculture was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near agriculture

Cite this Entry

“Agriculture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/agriculture. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

agriculture

noun
ag·​ri·​cul·​ture ˈag-ri-ˌkəl-chər How to pronounce agriculture (audio)
: the science or occupation of cultivating the soil, producing crops, and raising livestock : farming
agriculturist noun
or agriculturalist

More from Merriam-Webster on agriculture

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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