What does SWEEP mean?

Parts of Speech

Sweep is a verb and a noun.

Definitions

As a verb, sweep means to clean or clear a surface or area by brushing away dirt or debris. It can also mean to move or extend in a smooth, continuous motion, such as sweeping ones arm. As a noun, sweep refers to the act of sweeping or the path or motion of something that sweeps.

Pronunciations

US: /swip/

UK: /swiːp/

Origin and Usage

The word sweep comes from the Old English word swāpan, which means to sweep or wipe. It has been used in English since the Middle Ages and has various meanings related to cleaning, moving, and extending. Sweep is commonly used in everyday language to describe cleaning floors, streets, and other surfaces. It is also used in sports such as curling and rowing to describe the motion of a tool or object.

Synonyms

As a verb, sweep can be synonymous with clean, clear, brush, or wipe. As a noun, sweep can be synonymous with cleaning, clearing, or brushing.

Related Words

sleep, creep, weeps, seeps, steep

Example Sentences

1. She swept the floor with a broom.
2. He swept his arm across the table, knocking everything off.
3. The wind swept through the trees, rustling the leaves.
4. The curling team made a perfect sweep, clearing all the stones from the house.
5. The street sweeper made his daily sweep of the downtown area.