First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1sweep
verb \ˈswēp\
: to remove (something, such as dust or dirt) from a surface with a broom or brush or with a quick movement of your hand, fingers, etc.
: to remove dust, dirt, etc., from (something) with a broom or brush
: to move or pass quickly, forcefully, or smoothly
swept \ˈswept\ sweep·ing
Full Definition of SWEEP
transitive verb
1
a : to remove from a surface with or as if with a broom or brush <swept the crumbs from the table> b : to destroy completely : wipe out —usually used with away <everything she cherished, might be swept away overnight — Louis Bromfield> c : to remove or take with a single continuous forceful action <swept the books off the desk> d : to remove from sight or consideration <the problem can't be swept under the rug> e : to drive or carry along with irresistible force <a wave of protest that swept the opposition into office>
2
a : to clean with or as if with a broom or brush b : to clear by repeated and forcible action c : to move across or along swiftly, violently, or overwhelmingly <fire swept the business district — American Guide Series: Maryland> d : to win an overwhelming victory in or on <sweep the elections> e : to win all the games or contests of <sweep a double-header> <sweep a series>
3
: to touch in passing with a swift continuous movement
4
: to trace or describe the locus or extent of (as a line, circle, or angle)
5
: to cover the entire range of <his eyes swept the horizon>
intransitive verb
1
a : to clean a surface with or as if with a broom b : to move swiftly, forcefully, or devastatingly <the wind swept through the treetops>
2
: to go with stately or sweeping movements <proudly swept into the room>
3
: to move or extend in a wide curve or range
— sweep one off one's feet
: to gain immediate and unquestioning support, approval, or acceptance by a person
— sweep the board or sweep the table
1
: to win all the bets on the table
2
: to win everything : beat all competitors
See sweep defined for English-language learners
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Origin of SWEEP
Middle English swepen; akin to Old English swāpan to sweep, Old High German sweifen to wander
Related to SWEEP
2sweep
noun
: an act of cleaning an area with a broom or brush
: a long, smooth movement often in a wide curve
: a large area of land often forming a wide curve
Full Definition of SWEEP
1
2
a : an instance of sweeping; especially : a clearing out or away with or as if with a broom b : the removal from the table in one play in casino of all the cards by pairing or combining c : an overwhelming victory d : a winning of all the contests or prizes in a competition e : a wide-ranging search of an area (as by police)
3
a : a movement of great range and force b : a curving or circular course or line c : the compass of a sweeping movement : scope d : a broad unbroken area or extent <a sweep of wildflowers> e : an end run in football in which one or more linemen pull back and run interference for the ballcarrier
4
5
6
: obliquity with respect to a reference line <sweep of an airplane wing>; especially : sweepback
7
plural : a television ratings period during which surveys are taken to determine advertising rates
See sweep defined for English-language learners
Illustration of SWEEP
First Known Use of SWEEP
1548
Related to SWEEP
Synonym Discussion of SWEEP
range, gamut, compass, sweep, scope, orbit mean the extent that lies within the powers of something (as to cover or control). range is a general term indicating the extent of one's perception or the extent of powers, capacities, or possibilities <the entire range of human experience>. gamut suggests a graduated series running from one possible extreme to another <a performance that ran the gamut of emotions>. compass implies a sometimes limited extent of perception, knowledge, or activity <your concerns lie beyond the narrow compass of this study>. sweep suggests extent, often circular or arc-shaped, of motion or activity <the book covers the entire sweep of criminal activity>. scope is applicable to an area of activity, predetermined and limited, but somewhat flexible <as time went on, the scope of the investigation widened>. orbit suggests an often circumscribed range of activity or influence within which forces work toward accommodation <within that restricted orbit they tried to effect social change>.
SWEEP Defined for Kids
1sweep
verb \ˈswēp\
swept \ˈswept\sweep·ing
Definition of SWEEP for Kids
1
: to remove with a broom or brush <Please sweep up the dirt.>
2
: to clean by removing loose dirt or small trash with a broom or brush <I need to sweep the floor.>
3
: to move over or across swiftly often with force or destruction <Fire swept the village.>
4
: to move or gather as if with a broom or brush <I swept the money from the table.>
5
: to move the eyes or an instrument through a wide curve <They swept the hill for some sign of the enemy.>
6
: to touch a surface of quickly <The musician's fingers swept the piano keys.>
7
: to drive along with steady force <Debris was swept away by the tide.>
8
: to become suddenly very popular throughout <It's a show that is sweeping the nation.>
9
: to achieve a complete or easy victory
— sweep·er noun
2sweep
noun
Definition of SWEEP for Kids
1
: a curving movement, course, or line <I brushed it away with a sweep of my hand.>
2
: an act or instance of cleaning with a broom or brush
3
: a wide stretch or curve of land
4
: something that sweeps or works with a sweeping motion
5
: a complete or easy victory
7
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