Definition of scythe
: an implement used for mowing grass, grain, or other crops and composed of a long curving blade fastened at an angle to a long handle
Read the Latest from M-W
Recent Examples of scythe from the Web
-
The three-year Carwash probe swept scythe-like through Brazil’s ruling class, and came to focus on the former factory worker who once was the nation’s most popular politician -- and a strong contender to regain office.
-
On Allen’s left, a cutting wind scythes across a row of rock needles and down to the valley on the Italian side, nearly 10,000 feet below.
-
Check out the Millennium Falcon cleaving through asteroid debris like a scythe, or those Separatist droid armies throwing down against hordes of clone troopers.
-
These quiet images brand themselves on the mind, and the gunshots come as an overwhelming release, whereas when Logan and Laura unleash their furious scythes nothing feels settled or satisfied.
-
Standing 6-foot-5 and 220 pounds, and armed with a slider that cut down batters like a scythe and a fastball that touched 98 mph, the right-hander was nearly invincible.
-
The second level had been sheared off in an air strike, as though by a giant scythe, but the first was standing, tentatively.
-
Thresher sharks use their scythe-like long tail fins to hunt, lashing out at schools of prey fish in fast, aggressive attacks.
-
Anwar went home, found a sharp scythe and chopped off his right hand that same night.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'scythe.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Illustration of scythe
Origin and Etymology of scythe
Middle English sithe, from Old English sīthe; akin to Old English sagu saw — more at saw
scythe
Definition of scythe
scythed
;scything
intransitive verb
: to use a scythe
transitive verb
: to cut with or as if with a scythe scything cornstalks
Recent Examples of scythe from the Web
-
At the same time, former first lady Michelle Obama championed the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act in 2010, providing much needed healthy meals for schoolkids, an early Trump target in scything back the Obamas' legacy.
-
Researchers drilling ice cores have been astounded to find more and more streams of water rushing below the sheet—a river of water scything through ice.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'scythe.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of scythe
circa 1580
SCYTHE Defined for English Language Learners
scythe
playDefinition of scythe for English Language Learners
-
: a farming tool with a curved blade and long handle that is used for cutting grass, grain, etc.
scythe
Definition of scythe for English Language Learners
-
: to cut (something, such as grass or grain) with a scythe
SCYTHE Defined for Kids
scythe
playDefinition of scythe for Students
: a tool with a curved blade on a long curved handle that is used to mow grass or grain by hand
Learn More about scythe
-
See words that rhyme with scythe Spanish Central: Translation of scythe Nglish: Translation of scythe for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of scythe for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about scythe
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up scythe? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!