broom
B1Neutral
Definition
Meaning
A long-handled brush with bristles or fibers at one end, used for sweeping floors or outdoor areas.
1. To sweep or clean with such a brush. 2. Any of various shrubs of the genus Cytisus or related genera, with small leaves and bright yellow flowers, whose branches were traditionally bound together to make sweeping brushes.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The noun primarily denotes a cleaning tool. The verb, derived from the noun, means 'to sweep with a broom'. The botanical sense ('broom plant') is less common in everyday usage but is standard in gardening/biology contexts. The tool and the plant are conceptually linked through historical use.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The verb 'to broom' is rare in both varieties. In American English, a 'broom closet' is standard; in British English, 'broom cupboard' is more common. The phrase 'new broom' (meaning a new person in charge who makes changes) is used in both.
Connotations
Generally neutral. Can carry connotations of domesticity, cleanliness, or manual labour. In folklore/myth (e.g., witches), it connotes supernatural flight.
Frequency
The noun is equally common in both varieties. The botanical term is of equal frequency in relevant contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
sweep [something] with a broombroom [something] (archaic/rare)be behind the broom (idiomatic, hiding)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A new broom sweeps clean.”
- “To jump the broom (historical marriage ritual).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Metaphorical: 'The new CEO is a new broom, restructuring the departments.'
Academic
Rare. May appear in historical texts (describing tools) or botanical studies.
Everyday
Very common: referring to the cleaning tool. 'Can you pass me the broom?'
Technical
In botany: referring to plants of the genera Cytisus, Genista, etc. In arboriculture: 'witches' broom' is a dense, deformed growth in trees caused by pathogens.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He got out the old besom to broom the autumn leaves from the patio.
American English
- The janitor will broom the hallway after the event.
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial form in use)
American English
- (No standard adverbial form in use)
adjective
British English
- The broom cupboard under the stairs is full.
American English
- She reorganized the broom closet in the mudroom.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Please use the broom to clean the kitchen floor.
- The witch is flying on a broom in the story.
- After the party, we had to sweep up all the confetti with a broom.
- Yellow broom plants were flowering on the hillside.
- The new manager, a real new broom, immediately implemented stricter policies.
- Witches' broom disease can severely damage cherry trees.
- The symbolism of the broom in the ritual represented the sweeping away of the past.
- Archaeologists found a well-preserved Roman broom made of twigs bound to a handle.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A BROOM is found in a ROOM. The double 'O' looks like two round brushes at the end of the handle.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLEANING IS ERASING / ORDER IS CLEANLINESS. Metaphorically, a 'new broom' represents a fresh start and the removal of old problems.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'метла' (which is more specific to a traditional, rough outdoor broom/besom). 'Broom' is the general term. The Russian 'швабра' is a mop, not a broom.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'I broomed the floor.' (Very rare/archaic). Correct: 'I swept the floor with a broom.'
- Incorrect: 'She bought a new broom for washing dishes.' Correct: '...for sweeping the floor.'
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'broom' used in a primarily botanical sense?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A broom typically has a long handle and is used for sweeping floors and large areas. A brush often has a shorter handle or no handle and is used for more detailed tasks like scrubbing or grooming.
No, the verb 'to broom' is rare and often sounds archaic or overly literal. The verb 'to sweep' is almost always used instead.
It means that a new person in a position of authority will make significant changes, often removing old staff or methods.
Because their long, slender, and flexible branches were historically cut, tied together, and used as sweeping implements.
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