sweep up

phrasal verb

swept up; sweeping up; sweeps up

1

: to remove dust, dirt, etc., from (something) by using a broom or brush

When I was sweeping up, I found an earring that I had lost.

Can you please sweep up the porch?

2

: to remove (something, such as dust, dirt, etc.) from a surface by using a broom or brush

She swept up the broken glass.

3

: to pick up (someone or something) in one quick, continuous motion

She swept the baby up and carried her to the crib.

4

: to brush or pull (hair) away from the face

—usually used as be swept up

Her hair was swept up in a bun.

Examples of sweep up in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For starters, the vacuum powerfully sweeps up everything from crumbs to pet hair on all flooring, including hard floor, carpet, tile, etc. —Alicia Geigel, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 July 2024

This gadget has a cordless design and is perfect for sweeping up hairs, crumbs and other small items left on your stand. —Mia Meltzer, Rolling Stone, 3 July 2024

Several advisers were swept up in that inquiry, including his national security adviser, Michael T. Flynn; his campaign chairman, Paul Manafort; his longest-serving adviser, Roger J. Stone Jr.; and Mr. Cohen, his fixer and personal lawyer. —Jonah E. Bromwich, New York Times, 28 May 2024

The revocation of Kashmir’s autonomous status, and the subsequent crackdown that swept up Raqib Naik, is just one of many Hindutva victories during his tenure. —Zack Beauchamp, Vox, 22 May 2024