besom: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2/RareOld-fashioned, Dialectal, Informal (for the pejorative sense).
Quick answer
What does “besom” mean?
A broom made of twigs tied to a handle, traditionally used for sweeping.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A broom made of twigs tied to a handle, traditionally used for sweeping.
Informally, a term for a woman considered unpleasant, untidy, or having a bad temper; also, in curling, a broom used to sweep the ice ahead of the stone.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The pejorative sense is more likely found in British dialects (especially Scottish and Northern English). The curling sense is common in countries where the sport is played (e.g., UK, Canada).
Connotations
In both, the primary meaning is a rustic broom. The pejorative sense is stronger and more culturally embedded in certain UK regions.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in modern standard English in both varieties. Primarily encountered in literature, historical contexts, or specific dialects/sports.
Grammar
How to Use “besom” in a Sentence
sweep [PLACE] with a besombe labelled a besomuse a besom to [VERB]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “besom” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He besomed the yard free of leaves.
- I'll just besom the path before the guests arrive.
American English
- She besomed the porch clean.
adjective
British English
- The besom handle was made of ash.
- A besom broom hung by the fireplace.
American English
- He crafted a besom stick from hickory.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Rare; found in historical, anthropological, or folkloric studies discussing domestic tools or witchcraft.
Everyday
Virtually unused in modern conversation except in specific dialects or as a conscious archaism.
Technical
Used in the sport of curling to refer to the broom.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “besom”
- Spelling: 'besome' or 'beasom'.
- Misuse in modern contexts where 'broom' is intended.
- Using the pejorative sense without awareness of its dated/offensive character.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, specifically for a broom made of bundled twigs (like birch or heather) tied to a stick, not a modern brush broom.
Yes, it is a dated, derogatory term implying she is scolding, slovenly, or unpleasant. It should be avoided in modern usage.
In curling, 'besom' is another word for the broom or brush used by players to sweep the ice in front of the sliding stone.
Yes, but it is rare and dialectal. It means 'to sweep with a besom' (e.g., 'She besomed the steps').
A broom made of twigs tied to a handle, traditionally used for sweeping.
Besom is usually old-fashioned, dialectal, informal (for the pejorative sense). in register.
Besom: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbiːz(ə)m/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbiːzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a new besom sweeps clean (variant of 'a new broom sweeps clean')”
- “jump the besom (archaic/Scottish: to enter into an irregular marriage)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a BEE is buzzing around a ZOMbie who is trying to sweep with a twig broom (BESOM). BEE-ZOM.
Conceptual Metaphor
A TOOL FOR CLEANING IS A PERSON WHO IS UNPLEASANT (metonymic/synecdoche, where the tool stands for the crude, rough character of the person).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'besom' still a standard, non-archaic term?