English-English Dictionary

Meaning of the word sweep in English

What does sweep mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

sweep

US /swiːp/
UK /swiːp/
"sweep" picture

Verb

1.

to clean a floor, surface, or area by brushing away dirt or litter

Example:
•
She used a broom to sweep the kitchen floor.
•
The janitor will sweep the hallways every morning.
Synonym:
brush clean clear
2.

to move or extend in a long, continuous curve or line

Example:
•
The road began to sweep around the mountain.
•
Her gaze seemed to sweep across the entire room.
Synonym:
curve arc extend stretch
3.

to move quickly and forcefully in a particular direction

Example:
•
The strong current will sweep you downstream.
•
A wave of panic swept through the crowd.
Synonym:
rush surge flow gush

Noun

1.

an act of sweeping, especially to clean a surface

Example:
•
He gave the floor a quick sweep before the guests arrived.
•
The street cleaner made a thorough sweep of the area.
Synonym:
brush clean clearance
2.

a long, continuous movement or curve

Example:
•
The elegant sweep of the staircase impressed everyone.
•
The camera made a slow sweep across the landscape.
Synonym:
curve arc movement pan
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Related Word:
sweeping sweep up reverse sweep a clean sweep sweep aside sweep something under the rug sweep somebody off their feet