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.
The sweeper appeared to catch the edge of the plate. Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 10 May 2025 The average street sweeper collects fifteen hundred pounds of debris every day. Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 5 May 2025 His primary pitch has been the sinker in three games, the changeup in one, the four-seam fastball in one, the sweeper in one and the four-seam and change tied for most in one. Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 May 2025 His sweeper generated another seven whiffs, and the balls Los Angeles was able to connect on were hit weakly. Dan Hayes, New York Times, 28 Apr. 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 18 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sweeper

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!