Pronunciation: [plˈa͡ʊmən] (IPA) 
The word "ploughman" refers to a farmer who plows fields using a plow. The spelling of this word can be a bit tricky as it includes two silent letters: the first "gh" and the second "w". The IPA phonetic transcription for "ploughman" is /plaʊmən/, where the symbol "ʊ" represents the sound of "uh", and the letter "a" sounds like "ow" as in "cow". The silent "gh" represents the sound of "f" as it used to be pronounced in Old English.
A "ploughman" is a noun denoting a person who is skilled in the trade of ploughing land, typically using a heavy agricultural implement called a plough. The ploughman is an essential figure in agriculture, responsible for the process of breaking up and preparing the soil for planting crops. They employ the plough, a large typically horse-drawn implement featuring a strong blade, to slice and turn over the ground, creating furrows suitable for planting seeds.
Traditionally, the role of a ploughman required physical strength, endurance, and expertise in agricultural techniques. The ploughman must possess a thorough understanding of the land and its conditions, utilizing their knowledge to facilitate successful and efficient outcomes. They also need to be adept at handling the plough and guiding the team of horses or other draft animals to accomplish precise and uniform furrows.
In literary and cultural contexts, "ploughman" can also be used as a metaphorical term, symbolizing the archetype of an honest, hardworking laborer, particularly associated with rural life. This imagery is often employed to evoke notions of simplicity, humility, and a deep connection to the earth. The concept of the ploughman is frequently utilized to portray themes of agricultural toil, the interconnectedness of humans and nature, and the virtues of perseverance and diligence.
One who holds or manages a plough; any rustic; a husbandman.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "ploughman" derives from Old English "plōgmann", where "plōg" means "plough" and "mann" means "man". The word has been in use since at least the 12th century and originally referred to a man who works with a plough, a device used in agriculture to till the soil. The term has been commonly used to denote a farm laborer or a farmer who operates a plough.
