What does sweat mean?
Sweat is the salty liquid released through the skin by sweat glands, primarily to regulate body temperature. When the body becomes hot, evaporation of this moisture cools the skin; the process can also occur during illness, stress, or intense emotion. In everyday and figurative language, “sweat” refers to demanding work or anxious uncertainty, as in phrases such as “break into a sweat” and “cause a cold sweat.” The word commonly describes visible perspiration, the physical act of perspiring, or the discomfort and effort associated with either. It is used in both formal and informal registers, though literary expressions such as “sweat equity” can specifically imply work that is hoped to produce future benefits. Although often associated with heat or exercise, sweating can also be a response to fear, pain, nausea, or other strong sensations. In medical discussions, abnormal or excessive sweating is called hyperhidrosis.
Salty liquid produced by sweat glands to cool the body; by extension, hard exertion or anxiety that causes perspiration.
"The runner wiped away the sweat before beginning the next lap."
The figurative senses “strenuous effort” and “anxiety” are common in informal English.
To produce sweat, especially because of heat, exertion, illness, or emotional stress.
"They sweated through their shirts while waiting in the sun."
The verb is intransitive in its usual sense; “sweat something” can mean to work very hard over it, as in “sweat the details.”
The plural is used for individual drops or quantities of perspiration and, informally, for clothing worn for exercise.
"She changed her sweats after the workout."
Sweating is the body’s cooling system: when exercise or heat raises its temperature, sweat evaporates from the skin and helps prevent overheating.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of sweat
The English word descends from Old English sweote, which referred to perspiration. It is inherited from Proto-Germanic and is cognate with modern forms such as German Schweiß, Swedish svett, and Dutch zweet. Across these languages, the word has long been associated with the moisture produced by the body, while figurative meanings for effort and anxiety developed later from its physical associations.
Related word forms
How sweat is actually used
In informal and figurative uses, “sweat” can mean strenuous effort or anxiety, as in “the decision was a real sweat.” “Cold sweat” denotes fear or intense anxiety rather than the physical symptoms of heat.
Easily confused with sweat
Sweat is the salty liquid produced by the body, while sweet means pleasant or tasting of sugar.