broom

1 of 2

noun

1
: any of various leguminous shrubs (especially genera Cytisus and Genista) with long slender branches, small leaves, and usually showy yellow flowers
especially : scotch broom
2
: a bundle of firm stiff twigs or fibers bound together on a long handle especially for sweeping

broom

2 of 2

verb

broomed; brooming; brooms

transitive verb

1
: to sweep with or as if with a broom
2
: to finish (something, such as a concrete surface) by means of a broom

Examples of broom 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.
Noun
Final shots are Elphaba reaching out for her hat which flies into her hand, and her broom into the other. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2025 Remove jute and other flammable doormats, brooms from the porch and flammable outdoor furniture. Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY, 12 Jan. 2025
Verb
Boasberg, who wants to welcome the Venezuelan thugs back to the US, previously broomed the cases of assorted Deep State types, including Jan. 6 insurrectionist Ray Epps and FBI justice-obstructer Kevin Clinesmith. Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 19 Mar. 2025 In falling to the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 3 Monday night, the Yanks are now in danger of being the first MLB club to get broomed in a World Series since the Tigers fell 4-0 to the Giants in 2012. Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 29 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for broom

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English brōm; akin to Old High German brāmo bramble

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1838, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of broom was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Broom.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/broom. Accessed 8 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

broom

noun
ˈbrüm,
ˈbru̇m
1
: a plant of the legume family that has long slender branches along which grow many drooping yellow flowers
2
: a brush that has a long handle and is used for sweeping

Medical Definition

broom

noun
: any of various leguminous shrubs (especially genera Cytisus and Genista) with long slender branches, upright growth, small leaves, and usually showy yellow flowers
especially : scotch broom see broom top

More from Merriam-Webster on broom

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