scythe

1 of 2

noun

ˈsīṯẖ  ˈsī 

: 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

Illustration of scythe

scythe

2 of 2

verb

scythed; scything

intransitive verb

: to use a scythe

transitive verb

: to cut with or as if with a scythe

scything cornstalks

Examples of scythe in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

His lines and deliveries are just as lethal as any scythe, capturing this late comedian at his very best. — Chris Snellgrove, Entertainment Weekly, 25 July 2026

At the center of it all is Brent Charles’ sinewy Caius Martius Coriolanus, who runs through the play like a human scythe. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026

Verb

Exactly three minutes and 10 seconds elapsed between Mbappe being scythed to the ground and the Frenchman being allowed to actually take the penalty kick. — Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 9 July 2026

Most people were short and slight due to childhood malnutrition, and diseases scythed regularly through their weak immune systems. — Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English sithe, from Old English sīthe; akin to Old English sagu saw — more at saw

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1574, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Rhymes for scythe

• blithe
• lithe
• tithe
• writhe
• wythe

Kids Definition

scythe

noun

ˈsīt͟h, 

sī

: a tool that has a curved blade on a long curved handle and is used for mowing grass or grain by hand