buildings for carrying on industrial labor
"they built a large plant to manufacture automobiles"
(botany) a living organism lacking the power of locomotion
"The ancient ferns were among the first plants to evolve on Earth, thriving in damp forests long before animals could move freely."
an actor situated in the audience whose acting is rehearsed but seems spontaneous to the audience
"The seasoned comedian noticed the plant in the front row nodding along and decided to improvise a joke about his fake laughter."
something planted secretly for discovery by another
"the police used a plant to trick the thieves"
"he claimed that the evidence against him was a plant"
An organism that is not an animal, especially an organism capable of photosynthesis. Typically a small or herbaceous organism of this kind, rather than a tree.
"The gardener carefully watered the new plant she had just bought from the nursery."
In plain English: A plant is a living thing that grows in soil and makes its own food using sunlight.
"She planted a new flower in the garden today."
Usage: Use "plant" to refer to any non-animal organism that grows in soil and makes its own food through photosynthesis, such as flowers or grasses. This term typically describes smaller herbaceous specimens rather than large trees.
set up or lay the groundwork for
"establish a new department"
place something or someone in a certain position in order to secretly observe or deceive
"Plant a spy in Moscow"
"plant bugs in the dissident's apartment"
To place (a seed or plant) in soil or other substrate in order that it may live and grow.
"After cleaning out her balcony, Maria planted a row of tomato seeds directly into the fresh potting mix to ensure they would thrive during the summer."
In plain English: To plant something is to put it into the ground so it can grow.
"She planted some flowers in the garden this spring."
Usage: Use the verb plant when you physically put a seed, sapling, or garden item into soil to encourage growth. Do not use it for abstract situations like planting an idea unless you are specifically referring to nurturing that concept as if it were a living thing.
A surname.
"My neighbor, Mr. Plant, offered to help me carry in my groceries."
The word "plant" comes from the Latin planta, meaning a sprout or cutting, and entered Middle English as plante to refer specifically to young trees or newly planted herbs. While the noun originally described only these specific types of vegetation, its broader sense came through Old French to cover all vegetable life.