chimney sweep

American  

Or chimney sweeper

noun

1. a person whose business it is to clean out chimneys.

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chimney sweep British  

noun

1. a person whose job is the cleaning out of soot from chimneys

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Etymology

Origin of chimney sweep

First recorded in 1605–15

Example Sentences

Zusha grew up on a dirt road in upstate New York and has worked as a stonemason and a chimney sweep.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

For many Americans, Van Dyke will always be Rob Petrie, tumbling over ottomans on “The Dick Van Dyke Show,” or Bert the chimney sweep, dancing across London rooftops in “Mary Poppins.”

From Salon • Dec. 13, 2025

The chimney sweep comforts the kids by showing why their father should not be feared, but pitied.

From Slate • Apr. 27, 2025

Sherman considered “Mary Poppins,” which starred Andrews in the title role and Dick Van Dyke as Bert the chimney sweep, as “the turning point in our lives, and it’s the highest point in our career.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 25, 2024

The midday post had brought an advertisement promoting the skills of a local chimney sweep.

From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood