What does broomed mean?
Broomed is the past tense and past participle of the relatively uncommon English verb "to broom," which means to sweep a surface with a broom. While most speakers naturally reach for "swept," "broomed" appears in contexts where the specific instrument matters — describing floors, porches, workshops, or walkways tidied with long-handled bristles. In informal American English, particularly in sports reporting, "broomed" carries a second, figurative sense: to be swept aside, eliminated, or dismissed outright, evoking the image of dirt being brushed away. This figurative use lends the word a slightly blunt, dismissive connotation when applied to people or teams. Though not among the most frequent verbs in English, "broomed" remains a vivid, concrete alternative to "swept" that emphasizes both the tool and the thoroughness of the cleaning.
Past tense and past participle of "broom": to sweep a surface using a broom.
"The caretaker broomed the hall every evening after closing."
Often interchangeable with "swept," though less common in everyday speech.
Informally, to have dismissed, eliminated, or swept aside a person or team decisively.
"The defending champions were broomed in the first round of the playoffs."
Chiefly North American; common in sports contexts.
In American sports slang, getting 'broomed' means being swept in a series — wiped off the map like dust under a broom.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of broomed
The word traces back to Middle English "brom," originally denoting the flowering shrub of the heath family whose twigs were bundled into sweeping implements. Over time the plant's name was transferred to the tool itself. From this noun, English derived the verb "to broom," meaning to sweep with such an implement, and "broomed" is its regular past form. Related terms include "broomstick" and "broomcorn," both built on the same root.
Related word forms
How broomed is actually used
The verb "broom" is far less common than simply saying "swept." The dismissal sense is informal and largely confined to sports commentary and colloquial American English.
Easily confused with broomed
"Bloomed" means produced flowers or developed a healthy glow, while "broomed" refers to sweeping or being dismissed.