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Definition grow in American English

grow verb

verb
/ɡroʊ/

▪ bored, impatient, restless, tired

1

if children or animals grow, they become taller or larger

Example

"Hasn't Michael grown?" said my aunt.

Example

She must have grown at least four inches since the last time I saw her.

Example

a fully grown lion

Example

In the right conditions, shellfish can grow to considerable sizes.

Example

Some of these creatures grew to a length of over 12 feet.

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2

if plants or trees grow, they develop and get larger or taller

Example

The redwood tree can grow to over 100 feet tall.

Example

plants that grow naturally in swampy land

Example

We left some of the better trees and let them grow to maturity.

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2.1

if trees or plants grow somewhere, they exist there

Example

The trees grew almost to the water's edge.

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2.2

if you grow plants, you take care of them and help them to develop

Example

They grew all their own vegetables.

Example

Various crops are grown here.

Example

the country's largest rice-growing area

Example

I've grown these geraniums from seed.

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2.3

if bacteria or cells grow, or if they are grown, they divide and increase in number

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2.4

if crystals grow, or if they are grown, they get bigger in size

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3

if your hair or nails grow, they become longer

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3.1

if you grow your hair or nails, you let them become longer

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4

to increase in size

Example

The world's population was growing faster than predicted.

Example

By 1997, the town had grown big enough to need a high school of its own.

Example

The problem continues to grow.

Example

The waiting list for public housing is growing longer every year.

Example

The database will grow in size as necessary.

Example

By now the road network was growing at an alarming rate.

Example

a ripple of laughter that grew to a delighted roar

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5

if a business or the economy grows, more money is used in it and it becomes more successful

Example

In the early part of the century, the industry grew steadily.

Example

The economy has grown by 7% over the past year.

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5.1

to make a business or the economy grow

Example

He has spent the past seven years growing his business.

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6

if you grow, the emotional or spiritual part of your character becomes stronger

Example

People need to be able to grow and develop in relationships.

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7

used for saying that someone or something gradually starts to have a feeling or quality

Example

The nights were growing darker.

Example

Nina was growing bored.

Example

The king grew increasingly suspicious of his officials.

Example

Branson had grown accustomed to the old man's eccentricities.

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8

if feelings or qualities grow, they become stronger

Example

She could feel the anger growing inside her.

Example

Fears were growing for his safety.

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Definition grow in American English