sweeping

1 of 2

noun

sweep·​ing ˈswē-piŋ 

1

: the act or action of one that sweeps

gave the room a good sweeping

2

sweepings plural : things collected by sweeping : refuse

sweeping

2 of 2

adjective

1

a

: moving or extending in a wide curve or over a wide area

b

: having a curving line or form

2

a

: extensive

sweeping reforms

b

: marked by wholesale and indiscriminate inclusion

sweeping generalities

sweepingly adverb

sweepingness noun

Synonyms of sweeping

Adjective

• broad
• extensive
• wide
• deep
• expansive
• extended

Examples of sweeping in a Sentence

Noun

The porch needs a good sweeping.

Adjective

a sweeping view of the valley

He dismissed the idea with a sweeping motion of his arm.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Para curling, unlike its Olympic counterpart, doesn't allow sweeping. —Rachel Treisman, NPR, 6 Mar. 2026

After the second sip of bourbon comes the second sip of wine, which this time is a lot more complex, with some of the earthy and smokey flavors of the bourbon sweeping into the wine profile. —Noelle Alviz-Gransee february 12, Kansas City Star, 12 Feb. 2026

Adjective

Democrats have demanded more sweeping DHS reform, such as requiring all ICE officers to wear body cameras and judicial warrants for immigration operations. —Zach Lachance, The Washington Examiner, 23 Mar. 2026

Self-catering cottages give you the flexibility to make your own meals — a lifesaver with picky eaters — while scenic drives and free access to most of the sweeping clifftop landscapes make for an unforgettable road trip. —Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1573, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing sweeping

• sweeping victory

Rhymes for sweeping

• beeping
• creeping
• heaping
• keeping
• leaping
• peeping
• reaping
• seeping
• sleeping
• steeping
• weeping
• beekeeping

Kids Definition

sweeping

1 of 2 noun

sweep·​ing

1

: the act or action of one that sweeps

2

plural : things collected by sweeping

sweeping

2 of 2 adjective

1

a

: moving or extending in a wide curve or over a wide area

b

: having a curving line or form

2

: broad sense 5

sweeping reforms

sweeping generalizations

sweepingly

ˈswē-piŋ-lē

adverb