harvest

plural harvests · alternative harvist · alternative hervest · alternative harst · alternative hairst

1. countableuncountableagricultureThe process of gathering the ripened crop; harvesting.

   The constant rain made the harvest a nightmare this year.

2. countableuncountableThe yield of harvesting, i.e., the gathered crops or fruits.

   This year's cotton harvest was great but the corn harvest was disastrous.

   3 more examples

   Hester Earle and Violet Wayne were moving about the aisle with bundles of wheat-ears and streamers of ivy, for the harvest thanksgiving was shortly to be celebrated, while the vicar stood waiting for their directions on the chancel steps with a great handful of crimson gladioli.

   1907 January, Harold Bindloss, chapter 20, in The Dust of Conflict, 1st Canadian edition, Toronto, Ont.: McLeod & Allen, →OCLC

   The frizzle-headed man-eaters were loath to leave their fleshpots so long as the harvest of human carcases was plentiful. Sometimes, when the harvest was too plentiful, they imposed on the missionaries by letting the word slip out that on such a day there would be a killing and a barbecue.

   1911, Jack London, The Whale Tooth

   To glean the broken ears after the man / That the main harvest reaps.

   c. 1598–1600 (date written), William Shakespeare, “As You Like It”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act III, scene v]

   Synonyms: crop, gather

3. broadlycountableuncountableThe product or result of any exertion or course of action; reward or consequences.

   The surveillance mission yielded a healthy harvest of intel.

   2 more examples

   The pope's principal harvest was in the jubilee.

   1655, Thomas Fuller, The Church-history of Britain; […], London: […] Iohn Williams […], →OCLC, (please specify |book=I to XI)

   the harvest of a quiet eye

   1815, William Wordsworth, A Poet's Epitaph

4. countableuncountableThe season of gathering ripened crops; specifically, the time of reaping and gathering grain.
5. UKcountabledialectaluncountableThe third season of the year; autumn; fall.

   Harvest is usually very damp and rainy.

   1 more example

   Libra, or the Balance holdeth in the Navel, the Reins, and the lower parts of the Womb. The Scorpion keepeth the Bladder, Buttocks, and other privatives [sic] of Man or Woman. The Sagitary dwelleth in the Thighs and Buttocks; and theſe three are the ſigns of Harveſt.

   1668, ‘Godfridus’, The Knowledge of Things Unknown, London: G.P. for G. Sawbridge, page 20

   Synonyms: autumn, fall

6. countableuncountablelifestyleA modern pagan ceremony held on or around the autumn equinox, which is in the harvesting season.

present singular third person harvests · participle present harvesting · participle past harvested · past harvested · alternative harvist · alternative hervest · alternative harst · alternative hairst

1. transitiveTo bring in a harvest; reap; glean.

   We harvested the apples in September already.

2. transitiveTo take a living organism as part of a managed process to gather food or resources, often with the intention of maintaining a healthy population.

   An efficient rifle or shotgun can harvest a deer for venison.

3. transitiveTo take (an organ) from an organ donor.
4. intransitiveTo be occupied bringing in a harvest.

   We're going to harvest day and night, because the weather is about to turn sour.

5. transitiveTo win, achieve a gain.

   The rising star harvested well-deserved acclaim, even an Oscar under 21.