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.
Alvarez kept a patient eye, proceeding ahead in the count 2-1 before spoiling a sweeper foul to even it. Chandler Rome, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2025 The kit includes the new sweeper, plus wet mopping cloths and the new heavy-duty dry cloths. Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Apr. 2025 He’s added a changeup, four-seamer and cutter to his sinker/sweeper mix to better handle a starter’s workload. Tim Britton, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025 The most challenging part of the East Track required more of a diligent foot on the brake pedal, though, testing vision far to the right on a wide, eternally long sweeper. Michael Teo Van Runkle, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sweeper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sweeper. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.

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