row
She planted a row of flowers along the fence.
A straight line of flowers planted in the ground.
A straight line of people or things arranged side by side
The students stood in a row for the photo.
The students formed a straight line for the photograph.
Often implies organization or order, but can also describe a sequence.
A noisy argument or dispute
The neighbors had a loud row over the fence.
The neighbors argued loudly about the fence.
British English often uses this sense; American English prefers 'argument' or 'quarrel'.
A rank or level in a hierarchy
She was promoted to the top row of management.
She was promoted to the highest level of management.
Common in organizational or social contexts.
A loud noise or clamor
The row of the crowd could be heard from afar.
The loud noise made by the crowd was audible from a distance.
Rare in modern usage; mostly found in older texts.
An oar used to propel a boat
He broke a row while rowing across the lake.
He broke an oar while using it to row across the lake.
Used in nautical contexts.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Distinguishing meanings
If 'row' refers to a line of people or things, it is pronounced /roʊ/. If it refers to a noisy argument, it is pronounced /raʊ/. Context will usually clarify the intended meaning.
Gold Rule
Pronunciation matters
The pronunciation of 'row' changes based on its meaning: /roʊ/ for a line, /raʊ/ for an argument or noise.
Word Origin
From Old English 'rōw' (a line), derived from Proto-Germanic '*rawwō'. The sense of 'argument' comes from Middle English 'row' (a loud noise), influenced by Middle Dutch 'rouw' (noise, disturbance).
Usage Notes
The word has multiple unrelated meanings, which can cause confusion. Context is key to determine whether 'row' refers to a line, an argument, or an oar. British English may use 'row' for arguments more frequently than American English.