sweep
verb (used with object)
to move or remove (dust, dirt, etc.) with or as if with a broom, brush, or the like.
was sweeping
-
past progressiveof sweep.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
Senate Bill 244 was sweeping in its scope.
From Salon ● Jun. 14, 2026
The store initially sold Levi’s jeans, records and cassette tapes and tapped into the counterculture vibe that was sweeping the nation.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 4, 2026
With scant information given by the various sides, back at the Intercontinental, vehicle registration plates gave away that the US delegation was sweeping in, straight from the Iran talks.
From Barron's ● Feb. 17, 2026
His cleaning crew was sweeping up litter from the street while their boss talked and talked and talked.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 9, 2024
He had found a broom out back and was sweeping the board sidewalk in front of the store when they walked up.
From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns
