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

For a hint of '90s glam, the model's hair was swept up into a messy-chic updo with face-framing pieces. —Catherine Santino, Peoplemag, 25 June 2024

But the project became swept up in Disney’s legal and culture war wranglings with Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a one-time presidential hopeful. —Meg James, Orlando Sentinel, 20 June 2024

The government has swept up about 76,000 people in its war on drugs, often without evidence. —Ellen Ioanes, Vox, 20 June 2024

Advertisement But the project became swept up in Disney’s legal and culture war wranglings with Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a one-time presidential hopeful. —Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2024