noun
swab
swob
Swab (noun) means a small pad of absorbent material, often on a stick, used to clean a wound, apply medicine, or collect a sample. Example: “The nurse used a cotton swab to clean the cut before bandaging it.”
noun
1
A small pad of absorbent material, often on a stick, used to clean a wound, apply medicine, or collect a sample.
"The nurse used a cotton swab to clean the cut before bandaging it."
"They took a throat swab to test for the infection."
2
A mop, especially one used to clean the deck of a ship.
"The sailors pushed swabs across the deck at dawn."
verb
1
To clean or wipe something using a swab.
"She swabbed the wound with antiseptic before dressing it."
How to use swab
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither a small stick with an absorbent tip for cleaning or sampling, or a mop — and, as a verb, to clean with either.
Common pairings
swab a wound
cotton swab
nasal swab
swab the deck
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Word forms
- Plural
- swabs
- Third person singular
- swabs
- Past tense
- swabbed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The nurse used a cotton _____ to clean the cut before bandaging it.
Etymology
From Middle Dutch zwabber ("mop"), originally referring to a sailor whose job was mopping the deck.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “swab” mean?
The word “swab” means a small pad of absorbent material, often on a stick, used to clean a wound, apply medicine, or collect a sample. In plain terms, either a small stick with an absorbent tip for cleaning or sampling, or a mop — and, as a verb, to clean with either.
How do you pronounce “swab”?
“Swab” is pronounced swob (/swɒb/ in IPA).
How do you use “swab” in a sentence?
Here is “swab” used in a sentence: “The nurse used a cotton swab to clean the cut before bandaging it.”
What part of speech is “swab”?
Depending on how it is used, “swab” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “swab” come from?
The word “swab” comes from Dutch. From Middle Dutch zwabber ("mop"), originally referring to a sailor whose job was mopping the deck.
How many meanings does “swab” have?
“Swab” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small pad of absorbent material, often on a stick, used to clean a wound, apply medicine, or collect a sample.
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