street-sweeper

A street-sweeper cleans the road early in the morning.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A person who cleans streets: "street-sweeper" refers to a worker whose job is to clean and maintain the cleanliness of streets, roads, and public areas by removing dirt, litter, and debris.
   • A machine for cleaning streets: "street-sweeper" also denotes a vehicle or mechanical device designed to sweep and collect trash and dust from road surfaces.

Usage Examples

• Person:

  • The street-sweeper started her shift at dawn, collecting leaves and trash from the sidewalks. (The worker who cleans streets.)
  • After the parade, the street-sweepers worked quickly to restore order to the main avenue. (Multiple workers cleaning streets.)

• Machine:

  • A modern street-sweeper uses rotating brushes and a vacuum system to clean roads efficiently. (The mechanical vehicle for street cleaning.)
  • The city purchased a new street-sweeper to replace the old one that frequently broke down. (The machine used for street cleaning.)

Advanced Usage

• "street-sweeper" as a compound noun: The term is always hyphenated in standard usage, emphasizing its role as a single lexical unit. It can be used in both literal and metaphorical contexts.
  • In some cities, the street-sweeper is also responsible for emptying public trash bins. (Literal: the worker's expanded duties.)
  • He was known as the neighborhood street-sweeper, always tidying up even private driveways. (Metaphorical: someone who takes on cleaning tasks beyond their official job.)

Variants and Related Words

• Street-sweeping (noun): the act or process of cleaning streets.

  • Street-sweeping is scheduled every Tuesday morning in this district. (The activity of cleaning streets.)

• Street-sweeping (adjective): relating to the cleaning of streets.

  • The street-sweeping vehicle is equipped with water sprayers to reduce dust. (Describing the vehicle.)

Synonyms

• Road sweeper: a person or machine that cleans roads (synonymous with "street-sweeper").
• Janitor (for streets): a person who cleans and maintains public areas (less specific, but applicable).
• Cleaning crew member: a broader term for workers who clean various surfaces, including streets.

Phrasal Verbs

Related Idioms