swath

[ swoth, swawth ]

noun

1. the space covered by the stroke of a scythe or the cut of a mowing machine.
2. the piece or strip so cut.
3. a line or ridge of grass, grain, or the like, cut and thrown together by a scythe or mowing machine.
4. a strip, belt, or long and relatively narrow extent of anything.

swath

/ sweɪð; swɔːθ /

noun

1. the width of one sweep of a scythe or of the blade of a mowing machine
2. the strip cut by either of these in one course
3. the quantity of cut grass, hay, or similar crop left in one course of such mowing
4. a long narrow strip or belt

Word History and Origins

Origin of swath¹

before 900; Middle English; Old English swæth footprint; cognate with German Shwade

Word History and Origins

Origin of swath¹

Old English swæth; related to Old Norse svath smooth patch

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. cut a swath, to make a pretentious display; attract notice:

   The new doctor cut a swath in the small community.

More idioms and phrases containing swath

see cut a wide swath .

Example Sentences

Projects that are 100% affordable would be eligible for incentives across a wider swath of the city.

From Los Angeles Times

The cryptocurrency industry spent so much money in this race that they’ve all but bribed and ensured future loyalty from a bipartisan swath of lawmakers.

From Slate

“I am a continuation of what Alvin started. And what I wanted to do was broaden it — make it bigger, and certainly not have anyone forget who this man was, what he has done for the world of dance — what a great swath of intelligence and beauty, and a different way of looking at movement, and sharing the stage,” Jamison told The Times in 2010.

From Los Angeles Times

From the strand it’s a win-win for the walking class no matter the direction, thanks to a wide swath of sandy beach and the mighty Pacific on one side and quaint, artsy neighborhoods with mural-covered walls and funky yarn art trees on the other.

From Los Angeles Times

But residents in a large swath of Southern California should refrain from burning wood Friday — the destructive Mountain fire has thrown air pollutants into a frenzy, air quality officials said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• fodder
• grass