pitchfork
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈpɪtʃfɔːrk/
KK: /ˈpɪtʃfɔrk/
noun
Definition
A tool with a long handle and sharp prongs, used for lifting and moving hay or other materials.
Example
The farmer used a pitchfork to lift the hay bales onto the wagon.
Conversation
I saw a really old pitchfork in the barn yesterday.
Oh really? Those things can be quite useful for gardening.
Yeah, I didn’t know they were still used today.
Definitely! It’s great for moving hay or even compost.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
fork
hayfork
prong
Antonyms
spade
shovel
hoe
transitive verb
Definition
To lift or throw something using a tool with two or more long, pointed prongs, typically used for handling hay or straw.
Example
He pitched the hay into the barn with a pitchfork.
Tense Forms
Past: pitchforked
Past Participle: pitchforked
Conversation
Did you see how he pitched that hay with a pitchfork yesterday?
Yeah, it was impressive! He really knows what he's doing.
I thought it was easy, but it looks tough when you pitch it like that.
Root Explanation
Pitchfork → The word is formed from "pitch" (from Old English *picce*, meaning a pointed tool) and "fork" (from Old English *forca*, meaning a tool with two or more prongs). A pitchfork is a pointed tool with prongs used for lifting and pitching hay or other materials.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'pointed tool' ('pitch') with 'prongs' ('fork') used for lifting materials — that’s what a pitchfork is.
Visually Confused Words
pithwork
pickfork