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.
Schwarber crushed a first-pitch sweeper, hitting the ball nearly to the right-field concourse, for the two-run home run in the third. Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 30 July 2025 Bender, 30, throws 45 percent sweepers, 27 percent sinkers and 22 percent sliders, according to Statcast. Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 29 July 2025 In the next at-bat, Davis threw a hanging sweeper that Victor Caratini belted for a grand slam. Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2025 Of his final 42 pitches, 17 were curves, sinkers or sweepers. Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 July 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

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Cite this Entry

“Sweeper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sweeper. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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