What does GLEAN mean?

Definition of Glean

Parts of Speech: verb

Definition: to gather information or material bit by bit or slowly and carefully; to collect leftover crops from a field after the main harvest

Pronunciations: US: /ɡlin/; UK: /ɡliːn/

Origin and Usage: The word "glean" comes from the Old French word "glener," which means "to glean." It was first used in English in the 14th century. Originally, it referred to the practice of collecting leftover crops from a field after the main harvest. Today, it is also used figuratively to describe the process of gathering information or material bit by bit or slowly and carefully.

Synonyms: collect, gather, accumulate, amass, harvest, reap

Related Words: clean, glean, angle, eagle, panel

Example Sentences:

• She would glean information about her coworkers by listening to their conversations.
• He spent hours gleaning the internet for information on the topic.
• After the main harvest, the farmers let the poor glean the fields for leftover crops.