swab
noun
a large mop used on shipboard for cleaning decks, living quarters, etc.
swabbed
-
past participleof swab.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
-
past tense formof swab.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
swabnouna large mop used on shipboard for cleaning decks, living quarters, etc.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Tamasi swabbed for DNA samples in Spivey’s truck—door handles and such.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 5, 2026
Officials swabbed his cheek to obtain DNA, and then moved him to Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 13, 2026
And though a forensics expert swabbed the interior of the yacht for explosives, there were no testing facilities on the island, said Allan Galbraith, the superintendent in charge of Operation Rainbow.
From Slate ● Jul. 22, 2025
But now, anything that has been in contact with the lips and saliva can also be swabbed to provide a DNA profile, says Jo, such as cans, bottles of drinks and, increasingly, vapes.
From BBC ● Mar. 1, 2025
Matt watched, fascinated, as Felicia’s arm was swabbed and the needle jammed in.
From "The House of the Scorpion" by Nancy Farmer
