Definition

Noun: 1. A broad strip or area of something: A long, wide strip or belt, often created by a single, continuous action like cutting or mowing. 2. The path or space cleared by a single sweep of a scythe, mower, or similar implement: Specifically, the strip of cut grass or grain left behind by such an action. 3. A significant, noticeable, or devastating path: Used figuratively to describe a wide, impactful area affected by an event or force.

Usage and Examples

• Literal (Agricultural): "The combine harvester left a neat of cut wheat in the field."
• Literal (Landscape): "The tornado cut a destructive through the forest, flattening trees for a mile."
• Figurative: "The new policy will affect a broad of the population." "The celebrity's tour cut a glamorous across the country."

Advanced Usage

• "to cut a (wide) swath": This idiom means to attract a lot of attention, to be very conspicuous or impressive, or to have a significant and often disruptive impact.
  • Example: "With her bold fashion and outspoken opinions, she cut a wide swath through high society."

Variants and Related Words

• Swathe (noun): A variant spelling of "swath," often used interchangeably, though sometimes preferred in British English.
• Swathe (verb): To wrap or bind with bandages or layers of material. (Note: This is a distinct verb with a different meaning).
  • Example: "The nurse will swathe the injured limb in clean gauze."

Synonyms

• Strip
• Belt
• Band
• Path
• Track
• Expanse

Related Phrases

• A swath of land: A large, continuous area of land.
• Cut a swath through something: To move through something, clearing or affecting it in a wide path.

Noun

1. a path or strip (as cut by one course of mowing)
2. the space created by the swing of a scythe or the cut of a mowing machine