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

On an arid swath of the Mojave Desert, on the California side of the border with Nevada, sits the only facility in America that mines rare earth minerals – materials policymakers across the political spectrum agree are necessary for the economy and national defense. —Stephanie Hanes, Christian Science Monitor, 18 Apr. 2025

The strapless dress also had a bright purple swath of fabric extending from her hip to create a train that trailed behind her. —Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025

That could jeopardize student loan forgiveness eligibility under PSLF for a far broader swath of borrowers. —Adam S. Minsky, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025

Additionally, city law states that if utilities companies cut into a road resurfaced in the last five years, the company would need to repave a larger swath of road. —Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 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