arable

[ar-uh-buhl]

adjective

1. capable of producing crops; suitable for farming; suited to the plow and for tillage.

   arable land; arable soil.

noun

1. land that can be or is cultivated.

arable

/ ˈærəbəl /

adjective

1. (of land) being or capable of being tilled for the production of crops

2. of, relating to, or using such land

   arable farming

noun

1. arable land or farming

Other Word Forms

• arability noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of arable¹

1375–1425; < Latin arābilis, equivalent to arā ( re ) to plow + -bilis -ble; replacing late Middle English erable, equivalent to er ( en ) to plow ( Old English erian ) + -able -able

Word History and Origins

Origin of arable¹

C15: from Latin arābilis that can be ploughed, from arāre to plough

Example Sentences

Last month's trade deal with India is being looked upon as having growth potential for Scotland's arable farmers.

From BBC

Johnny Tuft, a fourth generation farmer from Ballinderry in County Antrim, farms a mixed farm with beef cattle, sheep, arable and poultry units and is often exposed to dust particles.

From BBC

"We are having a drought now from an agricultural point of view," arable farmer Nick Deane told BBC News from his farm in Norfolk.

From BBC

It's a beef and arable farm, with a few lambs and pigs for their meat business selling to local customers.

From BBC

They are mostly arid, with limited arable land and prone to drought.

From BBC