sweeper

noun

sweep·​er ˈswē-pər How to pronounce sweeper (audio)
1
: one that sweeps
2
: a lone back in soccer who plays between the line of the defenders and the goal

Examples of sweeper in a Sentence

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.
The sweeper has accounted for only 14% of his pitches thrown this year, well behind his four-seam fastball and splitter usage. Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026 And then there’s some outings where there’s too much nibbling with the cutter, with the sweeper, as opposed to staying on the attack. Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 27 Apr. 2026 While his knuckleball was not dancing at its best all day, Waldron discovered the command of his fastball and sweeper that was missing in the first two innings. Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026 Backed into a corner, Ohtani started Casey Schmitt with a 100 mph fastball then followed with three sweepers to strike him out. Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 23 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sweeper

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sweeper was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Sweeper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sweeper. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.

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