broom

1 of 2

noun

ˈbrüm  ˈbru̇m 

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

Noun

Jackie Mader/The Hechinger Report Children play with a broom at the kindergarten Blindern Barnestuer in Oslo, Norway. —Jackie Mader, The Christian Science Monitor, 15 Oct. 2024

That said, the Switch Witch is not welcome to park her broom anywhere near my house. —Melissa Willets, Parents, 11 Oct. 2024

Verb

This came mere months after the Nuggets broomed the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals, exorcising a few playoff demons in the process. —Troy Renck, The Denver Post, 18 Apr. 2024

There seems to be enough athleticism for the Aztecs to broom away the cobwebs, though. —Bryce Miller, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Aug. 2023

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

Phrases Containing broom

• push broom
• Scotch broom
• whisk broom

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

ˈbrüm  ˈbru̇m 

: 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