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

As of early Friday, winter storm warnings had been issued for swaths of the Midwest, with the National Weather Service (NWS) advising that drivers in some areas should consider delaying travel. —Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2025

Researchers at Berstein took into account the wide swath of tactics Europe’s luxury groups are deploying, from contributing to the restoration of artistic landmarks and sponsoring art museums to high-profile collaborations with famous artists and architects. —Miles Socha, Footwear News, 26 Nov. 2025

Among them were that Ukraine cut its armed forces by more than half and cede swaths of territory not yet occupied by Russia. —David Brennan, ABC News, 25 Nov. 2025

Later, writes Reader's Digest, the ancient Romans brought the tradition with them as their armies went about occupying vast swaths of Europe, including ancient England. —Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 25 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