I. noun
Date: 14th century
1. : the act or action of one that sweeps
gave the room a good sweeping
2. plural : things collected by sweeping : refuse
II. adjective
Date: 1573
1.
a. : moving or extending in a wide curve or over a wide area
b. : having a curving line or form
2.
a. : extensive
sweeping reforms
b. : marked by wholesale and indiscriminate inclusion
sweeping generalities
• sweep·ing·ly adverb
• sweep·ing·ness noun