ploeg

Ploeg is a Dutch word with several related meanings. The most common reference is to an agricultural implement, the plow, used to turn and break up soil in preparation for sowing. A ploeg may be drawn by horses, oxen, or, in modern agriculture, by tractors, and it comes in several varieties designed for different soil types and crops.

The term also denotes a group of people working together to achieve a common task, i.e., a team, crew, or work party. In this sense, it is used across domains such as sports, industry, and construction. For example, voetbalploeg means a football team, while een bouwploeg refers to a construction crew. The word is frequently found in compounds that describe the people involved in a specific activity or project.

In broader usage, ploeg has cognates in other Germanic languages and is a common element in compound nouns in Dutch. The plural form is often used in everyday speech to emphasize collective effort, as in the context of a project or team sport. The word can also appear in historical or regional place names and surnames, reflecting its long-standing presence in Dutch-language communities.