What does "sweeping" mean?

1. (wide-ranging or general) affecting many things or people at once, often in a way that is too general. 2. (curved or smooth motion) moving in a long, smooth curve. 3. (cleaning with a broom) the act of cleaning a floor using a broom.

sweeping

adj. · n.

US //ˈswipɪŋ// UK //swˈiːpɪŋ// sweep·ing

1 wide-ranging or general (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

affecting many things or people at once, often in a way that is too general.

extensive in scope or range; often used to describe changes, reforms, or statements that apply to a wide variety of cases.

Example

The new manager made sweeping changes to the way the office operates.

Example

The government introduced sweeping reforms to the healthcare system, affecting everything from local clinics to major research hospitals.
- extensive
- wide ranging
- broad
- narrow
- specific
2 curved or smooth motion (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

moving in a long, smooth curve.

characterised by a long, continuous, and often curved motion or shape.

Example

The house has a sweeping view of the valley below.

Example

The architect designed a sweeping staircase that serves as the central focal point of the building's grand entrance.
- curving
- graceful
- sharp
- jagged

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3 cleaning with a broom (n.)
B1 Intermediate

the act of cleaning a floor using a broom.

the action or process of cleaning a surface by brushing away dirt or debris.

Example

The morning sweeping of the shop floor took about ten minutes.

Example

Regular sweeping of the warehouse floor is essential to prevent the accumulation of hazardous industrial dust.
- cleaning
- brushing

Origin

By surface analysis, sweep + -ing.