push broom: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Everyday, Practical, Technical (e.g., janitorial, construction)
Quick answer
What does “push broom” mean?
A large, wide broom with stiff bristles and a long handle, designed to be pushed with both hands to sweep large flat surfaces like floors, pavements, or workshops.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large, wide broom with stiff bristles and a long handle, designed to be pushed with both hands to sweep large flat surfaces like floors, pavements, or workshops.
Any tool or implement characterized by a wide, rigid head and a pushing action for clearing debris; metaphorically, an approach or method that addresses a problem in a broad, non-targeted manner.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term 'push broom' is common and well-understood in both varieties. British English may occasionally use more specific trade terms like 'yard broom' or 'floor broom' for similar tools, but 'push broom' remains the standard generic term.
Connotations
Neutral in both. Connotes manual labour, cleaning, maintenance, or workshop environments.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English, but a standard term in both.
Grammar
How to Use “push broom” in a Sentence
use a push broom to + INF (use a push broom to clear the garage)sweep [surface] with a push broompush the broom across [surface]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “push broom” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The caretaker leant the push broom against the wall after sweeping the playground.
- You'll need a proper push broom for all this gravel on the drive.
American English
- Grab the push broom from the garage and sweep off the patio.
- An industrial push broom is essential for cleaning the workshop floor.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in procurement for facilities management ('Order six new push brooms for the warehouse.')
Academic
Very rare, except in historical or design contexts describing tools.
Everyday
Common when discussing household chores, garage cleaning, or DIY projects.
Technical
Standard in janitorial/sanitation supplies, construction, and workshop equipment catalogues.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “push broom”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “push broom”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “push broom”
- Using 'push broom' to refer to any broom (hypernym error).
- Confusing it with a 'squeegee' (for liquids).
- Pronouncing 'broom' as /brʊm/ instead of /bruːm/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, a 'push broom' is a specific type of broom characterized by its wide head and long handle, designed for pushing debris on large, flat surfaces. A 'regular broom' (or corn broom) typically has a narrower head and is often used with a pulling or flicking motion.
No, push brooms are designed for hard, smooth surfaces like concrete, wood, or tile. Using one on a carpet would be ineffective and could damage the carpet fibres.
A push broom has stiff bristles for sweeping solid debris (dust, leaves, chips). A squeegee has a rubber blade for pushing liquids (water, cleaning solutions) off smooth surfaces.
Yes, there are walk-behind or ride-on mechanical sweepers that perform the same function on a larger scale, often called 'power sweepers' or 'floor sweepers', but the traditional term 'push broom' implies a manual, non-powered tool.
A large, wide broom with stiff bristles and a long handle, designed to be pushed with both hands to sweep large flat surfaces like floors, pavements, or workshops.
Push broom is usually everyday, practical, technical (e.g., janitorial, construction) in register.
Push broom: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpʊʃ ˌbruːm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpʊʃ ˌbrum/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a push-broom approach (a broad, non-targeted strategy)”
- “to push-broom something aside (to dismiss or deal with something in a crude, sweeping manner)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a janitor using both hands to PUSH a wide BROOM across a gymnasium floor. The action (push) and the tool (broom) combine directly in the name.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PUSH BROOM IS A BROAD, FORCEFUL TOOL FOR CLEARING (e.g., 'The new policy was a push broom for bureaucratic inefficiency.').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a key defining feature of a push broom?