mown

Mown is the past participle of the verb mow, meaning that vegetation, typically grass or grain, has been cut down by mowing. It is commonly used to describe lawns, meadows, and fields after cutting. The term is used as an adjective: a mown lawn, a mown field.

Usage: “mown” is standard in British English; American English tends to use “mowed” as the past tense and past participle, though both forms may be encountered in older or formal writing. The phrase “mown hay” refers to grass that has been cut for drying and storage as hay; after harvest, the cut material may be dried and baled.

Other senses: The compound “mown-down” is used to describe someone or something that has been struck down or killed, especially by gunfire or a vehicle; this is a metaphorical use of mowing down a person.

Etymology: The verb mow is of Germanic origin; “mown” is the historical past participle form. Modern usage varies by region and style guide.