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

The battle harks back to the January 2025 Eaton fire which spread toxic ash over swaths of Altadena and Pasadena. — Los Angeles Times, 19 July 2026

The governor's allies point out Biggs is campaigning statewide for the first time and has never faced a serious political challenger for a broader swath of the state's electorate. — Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 19 July 2026

Fans showed up despite fears that high ticket prices would keep them away and concerns that the US’ immigration crackdown would deter swaths of travelers. — J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 19 July 2026

The midday match was attended by 12,081 fans according to Bay FC’s numbers, but there were wide swaths of open seats at PayPal Park. — Christian Babcock, Mercury News, 18 July 2026

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