sweep
sweep
swip
svip
British pronunciation
/swˈiːp/

Definition & Meaning of "sweep"in English

to sweep
01

to clean a place by using a broom

Transitive: to sweep a place
to sweep definition and meaning
example
Examples
She sweeps the kitchen floor every evening after dinner.
The janitor sweeps the hallway to keep it clean and tidy.
02

to brush or comb hair back from the face

Transitive: to sweep hair somewhere
to sweep definition and meaning
example
Examples
She swept her bangs back from her forehead with a quick motion.
He swept his hair to the side to keep it out of his eyes.
03

to influence or cover an area or place quickly and broadly

Intransitive
example
Examples
A sense of excitement swept over the crowd as the concert began.
A wave of relief swept through the team when they heard they had won.
04

to move swiftly and smoothly across a surface or through the air, often in a broad or wide-ranging motion

Intransitive: to sweep somewhere
example
Examples
The broom swept across the floor, gathering dust and debris.
The wind swept through the valley, bending the tall grasses in its path.
05

to clear away dirt, litter, or debris by using a sweeping motion, typically with a broom or similar tool

Transitive: to sweep dirt or litter somewhere
example
Examples
He swept the leaves off the driveway, making it look neat again.
The maid swept the dust from the corners of the room.
06

to stretch or extend continuously in a specific direction, often forming a curve

Intransitive
example
Examples
The river sweeps through the valley, carving deep channels in the landscape.
The mountain range sweeps across the horizon, creating a stunning backdrop.
07

to win every game or event in a series

Transitive: to sweep a competition
example
Examples
The team swept the tournament, winning every match without losing a single one.
She swept the competition, claiming first place in every event.
08

to move something quickly and smoothly across a surface

Transitive: to sweep sth somewhere
example
Examples
He swept his hand over the surface of the water to feel the temperature.
I accidentally swept the papers off the desk while reaching for my pen.
09

to cover or target an entire area with a gun, typically by firing in a sweeping motion or pattern

Transitive: to sweep an area
example
Examples
The soldier swept the field with gunfire, ensuring no one could approach.
The soldiers were ordered to sweep the building with their weapons drawn.
Sweep
01

a wide scope

example
Examples
The novel covers the entire sweep of European history.
The director captured the sweep of the landscape in a single shot.
02

(American football) a running play where the ball carrier runs toward the sideline to gain yards

What is a "sweep"?

A sweep in football is a running play where the ball carrier runs around the outside of the defense, often toward the sideline, to gain yards. The offensive line helps by blocking defenders, allowing the runner to move quickly down the field. The play is designed to avoid the defensive line's strength in the middle and instead use speed to get to the outside. A sweep is typically used when the team wants to move the ball to the edge of the field and create space for the runner to make a big gain.

example
Examples
The running back executed a sweep to the right.
They used a sweep to gain yards on the outside.
03

a movement in an arc

example
Examples
The dancer made a graceful sweep across the stage.
He swung his arm in a wide sweep.
04

a long oar used in an open boat

example
Examples
Each rower took hold of a sweep.
The coxswain instructed them to use their sweeps evenly.
05

winning all or all but one of the tricks in bridge

example
Examples
She scored a sweep in the last round of bridge.
The team managed a complete sweep of the tricks.
06

someone who cleans soot from chimneys

example
Examples
The sweep climbed the chimney to remove soot.
Chimney sweeps were essential in Victorian London.
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