swathe

1 of 2

noun

ˈswät͟h 

ˈswȯt͟h, 

ˈswāt͟h 

variants or swath

ˈswät͟h  ˈswäth 

ˈswȯt͟h, 

ˈswȯth

1

: a band used in swathing

2

: an enveloping medium

swathe

2 of 2

verb

ˈswät͟h 

ˈswȯt͟h, 

ˈswāt͟h 

swathed; swathing

transitive verb

1

: to bind, wrap, or swaddle with or as if with a bandage

2

: envelop

a mountain swathed by clouds

Synonyms of swathe

Verb

• wrap
• shroud
• envelop
• enclose
• bosom

Examples of swathe in a Sentence

Verb

The nurse swathed the wounded soldier's leg in bandages.

Her neck was swathed in jewels.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Despite the setting sun, Park Hill High School’s football field was swathed with light Friday as hundreds of people, young and old, circled around the field’s track. —Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 28 Mar. 2026

The vast multi-room establishment—set within a five-story atrium in the center of the hotel—evokes cozy romance at every turn, swathed in marble busts, vibrant floral arrangements, and intricate wall carvings. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Mar. 2026

One continuous wall incorporates concentrated storage solutions and technical functions made from and swathed by wooden built-ins. —Ludovica Stevan, Architectural Digest, 22 Mar. 2026

The As Ever founder stepped out for a surprise Paris Fashion Week appearance, supporting her friend Pierpaolo Piccioli at his Balenciaga debut swathed in a dramatic white cape. —Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 21 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English *swæth; akin to Old English swathian to swathe

Verb

Middle English, from Old English swathian

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

swathe

1 of 2 verb

ˈswät͟h 

ˈswȯt͟h, 

ˈswāt͟h

swathed; swathing

1

: to bind, wrap, or swaddle with or as if with a bandage

2

: envelop

swathe

2 of 2 noun

ˈswät͟h 

ˈswȯt͟h, 

ˈswāt͟h

variants or swath

ˈswät͟h, 

ˈswäth, 

ˈswȯt͟h, 

ˈswȯth

: a band used in swathing