broom

1 of 2

noun

ˈbrüm  ˈbru̇m 

1

: any of various leguminous shrubs (especially genera Cytisus and Genista) with long slender branches, small leaves, and usually showy yellow flowers

especially : scotch broom

2

: a bundle of firm stiff twigs or fibers bound together on a long handle especially for sweeping

broom

2 of 2

verb

broomed; brooming; brooms

transitive verb

1

: to sweep with or as if with a broom

2

: to finish (something, such as a concrete surface) by means of a broom

Examples of broom in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The recruiter places a broom in front of the kitchen door to see if applicants will step over the broom or pick it up and put it in a corner. —Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025

While a broom that’s been living in the back of your closet can be just as effective after many years of use, mops have a relatively short shelf life. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2025

Verb

Boasberg, who wants to welcome the Venezuelan thugs back to the US, previously broomed the cases of assorted Deep State types, including Jan. 6 insurrectionist Ray Epps and FBI justice-obstructer Kevin Clinesmith. —Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 19 Mar. 2025

In falling to the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 3 Monday night, the Yanks are now in danger of being the first MLB club to get broomed in a World Series since the Tigers fell 4-0 to the Giants in 2012. —Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 29 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English brōm; akin to Old High German brāmo bramble

First Known Use

Noun

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

Verb

1838, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing broom

• push broom
• Scotch broom
• whisk broom

Rhymes for broom

• blume
• boom
• doom
• flume
• fume
• gloom
• glume
• groom
• loom
• plume
• rheum
• room

Kids Definition

broom

noun

ˈbrüm,

ˈbru̇m

1

: a plant of the legume family that has long slender branches along which grow many drooping yellow flowers

2

: a brush that has a long handle and is used for sweeping

Medical Definition

broom

noun

ˈbrüm  ˈbru̇m 

: any of various leguminous shrubs (especially genera Cytisus and Genista) with long slender branches, upright growth, small leaves, and usually showy yellow flowers

especially : scotch broom see broom top