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
The Santa statues, snowflakes and gingerbread houses handmade by Irma herself seemingly get swept up by loyal collectors before the paint finishes drying.
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Kansas City Star, 13 Dec. 2025
The End of an Era captures the madness of life on the road for everyone swept up into the Swiftian whirlwind — not just the star, or even just the onstage performers, but the giant community that goes into making this tour go, from the crew to the creative team to her family.
—Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 12 Dec. 2025
The administration has deported and detained tens of thousands, although some people with valid visas and green cards have also been reportedly swept up in the raids.
—Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2025
But residents and local leaders in both cities tell a different story, describing communities paralyzed with fear and worried they could be swept up in the immigration operations.
—Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 8 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sweep up
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Kansas City Star, 13 Dec. 2025
The End of an Era captures the madness of life on the road for everyone swept up into the Swiftian whirlwind — not just the star, or even just the onstage performers, but the giant community that goes into making this tour go, from the crew to the creative team to her family.
—Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 12 Dec. 2025
The administration has deported and detained tens of thousands, although some people with valid visas and green cards have also been reportedly swept up in the raids.
—Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2025
But residents and local leaders in both cities tell a different story, describing communities paralyzed with fear and worried they could be swept up in the immigration operations.
—Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 8 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sweep up
Cite this Entry
“Sweep up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sweep%20up. Accessed 20 Dec. 2025.
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