broom

broom · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A cleaning tool with a long handle and stiff fibers used for sweeping floors.

  2. 2.

    A shrub with long thin branches and yellow flowers.

  3. 3.

    To sweep with a broom.

Forms

plural: brooms

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    a new broom sweeps clean — a new person in charge makes many changes
  • •
    broomstick — the handle of a broom (often associated with witches in folklore)

Related words

See also: brush, mop, sweep
Synonyms: brush, sweeper

Etymology

From Old English "brom" meaning the broom plant, which was used to make sweeping brushes.