Definition

1. Noun:

   • A cleaning tool: A "swob" is a cleaning implement consisting of absorbent material (like cloth or yarn) fastened to a handle, used for cleaning floors or other surfaces.
   • A wad of absorbent material: In medical contexts, a "swob" can refer to a small piece of absorbent material, such as cotton, used for applying medication or cleaning a wound.

2. Verb:

   • To clean or apply with a swob: The action of cleaning, wiping, or applying a liquid to a surface using a swob.
   • To wash or mop: Specifically, to clean a surface, such as a ship's deck, by moving a wet swob over it.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The janitor used a swob to clean the spill in the hallway.
  • The nurse took a sterile swob to clean the patient's skin before the injection.

• Verb:

  • Please swob the deck before the inspection.
  • She carefully swobbed the antiseptic onto the cut.

Advanced Usage

• "To swob down": To clean a surface thoroughly, especially by mopping.
  • The crew was ordered to swob down the entire deck.

Variants and Related Words

• Swab: This is the more common modern spelling for both the noun and verb forms. "Swob" is a variant spelling.
  • The doctor used a cotton swab.
  • Swab the deck.

Synonyms

• Noun: Mop, wipe, dabber, applicator.
• Verb: Mop, wipe, clean, dab, wash.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Swob down: To clean a surface, typically a floor or deck, by mopping it.
  • It's your turn to swob down the kitchen floor.

Noun

1. cleaning implement consisting of absorbent material fastened to a handle; for cleaning floors

Verb

1. apply (usually a liquid) to a surface
   • dab the wall with paint
2. wash with a swab or a mop
   • swab the ship's decks