swab

noun
UK: /swɒb/
US: /swɑːb/

  1. A small piece of cotton or cloth attached to a stick, used for cleaning or applying substances.

    1. I used a swab to clean my ears gently.
    2. The nurse used a sterile swab to apply antiseptic to the wound before bandaging it.

  2. A sample taken by wiping a surface or wound with a cotton or cloth-tipped stick, often for medical testing.

    1. The doctor took a swab of my throat to test for strep.
    2. Forensic scientists collected a swab from the crime scene to gather DNA evidence.

Synonyms

wipe gauze applicator
swab verb

  1. To clean or take a sample using a cotton or cloth-tipped stick.

    1. I need to swab the counter to clean it.
    2. The doctor will swab your throat to test for infection.

  2. To apply a substance using a cotton or cloth-tipped stick.

    1. She carefully swabbed the medication onto the affected area.
    2. The artist swabbed the canvas with a brush dipped in turpentine to blend the colors.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "swab" in English means: A small piece of cotton or cloth attached to a stick, used for cleaning or applying substances., A sample taken by wiping a surface or wound with a cotton or cloth-tipped stick, often for medical testing..

The phonetic transcription of "swab" is /swɒb/ in British English and /swɑːb/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "swab": wipe, gauze, applicator.

Example usage of "swab": "I used a swab to clean my ears gently.". More examples on the page.