# sweeping

/ˈswipɪŋ/ (US) · /swˈiːpɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sweeping
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. wide-ranging or general

adjective · CEFR B2

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

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

- The new manager made sweeping changes to the way the office operates.
- The government introduced sweeping reforms to the healthcare system, affecting everything from local clinics to major research hospitals.

### 2. curved or smooth motion

adjective · CEFR B2

moving in a long, smooth curve.

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

- The house has a sweeping view of the valley below.
- The architect designed a sweeping staircase that serves as the central focal point of the building's grand entrance.

### 3. cleaning with a broom

noun · CEFR B1

the act of cleaning a floor using a broom.

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

- The morning sweeping of the shop floor took about ten minutes.
- Regular sweeping of the warehouse floor is essential to prevent the accumulation of hazardous industrial dust.

## Examples

- The government announced sweeping changes to the tax laws.
- The new CEO implemented sweeping reforms to improve the company's efficiency and reduce waste.
- The historian's sweeping generalisations about the era were criticised for ignoring the nuanced experiences of the working class in favour of a broad political narrative.

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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.