swathe
swathe Lexical Profile
swathe Game Scores & Validity
• noun
British A broad strip, area, or large portion of something.
"A vast swathe of the northern coastline has been designated as a protected nature reserve."
British A row or line of grass, grain, or other crop as it falls or lies after being mowed or reaped.
"The farmer walked along the field, inspecting each freshly cut swathe of hay."
A bandage, band, or wrapping of fabric.
"The fragile porcelain vase was packed in a thick swathe of linen for transport."
• verb
To wrap, bind, or envelop in several layers of fabric, bandages, or similar material.
"She swathed her shoulders in a warm woollen shawl before stepping out into the brisk evening air."
Word Nuance & Usage
As a noun meaning a broad strip or area, 'swathe' is the standard spelling in British English (pronounced with a long 'a' as in 'bathe'), whereas American English prefers 'swath' (pronounced with a short 'o' as in 'moth'). As a verb meaning to wrap in fabric, both varieties spell it 'swathe'.
• Rhymes for swathe
Word Origin & Etymology
The verb derives from Old English 'swathian' (to wrap or bind up), related to 'swaeth' (a track, trace, or strip of cut grass), from Proto-Germanic roots.