swath

noun

ˈswäth How to pronounce swath (audio)
ˈswȯth
variants or swathe
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Expect a large swath of blue in Mountain America Stadium in a game that will partially decide the fate of this year's conference championship. Matthew Self, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024 For Owens, helping his superstar cousin introduce fans to a larger swath of Parton (and Owens) musical history is a calling. Stephen L. Betts, Rolling Stone, 19 Nov. 2024 Trump may be one of few salespeople who can sell the G-20’s potential to broad swaths of the United States. Leslie Vinjamuri, Foreign Affairs, 15 Nov. 2024 Curry nearly matched him with 11, but the Warriors’ defense that swarmed in the first half suddenly surrendered 41 points — and 10 3-pointers and a swath of second-chance scores. Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for swath 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of swath was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near swath

Cite this Entry

“Swath.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/swath. Accessed 7 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

swath

noun
ˈswäth How to pronounce swath (audio)
ˈswȯth
variants or swathe
ˈswät͟h How to pronounce swath (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on swath

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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