swath

noun

ˈswäth 

ˈswȯth

variants or swathe

ˈswät͟h 

ˈswȯt͟h, 

ˈswāt͟h 

1

a

: a row of cut grain or grass left by a scythe or mowing machine

b

: the sweep of a scythe or a machine in mowing or the path cut in one course

2

: a long broad strip or belt

3

: a stroke of or as if of a scythe

4

: a space devastated as if by a scythe

Examples of swath in a Sentence

An aerial view of the countryside shows wide swathes of green.

He cut a swath through the field with his scythe.

Recent Examples on the Web

City officials in Los Angeles issued evacuation orders and warnings for nearly a dozen locations impacted by recent wildfires, including the Palisades and Eaton blazes that torched vast swaths of Los Angeles County. —Christopher Cann, USA Today, 14 Nov. 2025

And for the last seven months, Oscar pundits have entertained a wide swath of possibilities for its path to next March’s Oscar ceremony. —Joe Reid, Vulture, 14 Nov. 2025

Empowering a wider swath of employees with access to structured trading frameworks can help align the financial planning needs of the company with those of individual employees, for a more holistic approach to personal financial well-being and corporate growth. —Joshua Shek, Fortune, 14 Nov. 2025

Walmart, historically a conservative company based in deep-red Arkansas, appeals to a wide swath of America. —Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 14 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English swæth footstep, trace; akin to Middle High German swade swath

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for swath

• broth
• cloth
• doth
• froth
• goth
• loth
• moth
• wroth
• broadcloth
• cheesecloth
• loincloth
• neckcloth

Kids Definition

swath

noun

ˈswäth 

ˈswȯth

variants or swathe

ˈswät͟h 

ˈswȯt͟h, 

ˈswāt͟h

1

a

: the sweep of a scythe or machine in mowing or the path cut in one course

b

: a row of cut grain or grass

2

: a long broad strip or belt

3

: a space destroyed as if by a mowing machine