# sweeper

/ˈswipɝ/ (US) · /swˈiːpɐ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sweeper
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

a person who cleans floors or a machine that does this. In some areas, it is also a casual way to describe a person who is very good at a specific sport or activity.

For teachers: a person who cleans floors or a mechanical device designed for this task. In specific regional dialects, it serves as a colloquial term for a highly skilled individual in a particular field.

## Examples

- The sweeper cleaned the hall before the guests arrived.
- The local football team is looking for a new sweeper to strengthen their defense.
- While the primary role of the sweeper is to maintain cleanliness, in certain sports contexts, the term refers to a player who acts as a last line of defense against opposing attacks.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.