swob

UK: /swɒb/ US: (swob)

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

swob (swob), n., v.t., swobbed, swob•bing. 

1. swab.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

swob / swɒb/ noun , verb (swobs, swobbing, swobbed)

1. a less common spelling of swab

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

swab or swob /swɑb/   n., v., swabbed, swab•bing. 
n. [countable]

1. a large mop used on ships.
2. a bit of cotton, sponge, or the like, often fixed to a stick, for applying medicine, etc.

v. [~ + object]

3. to clean with or as if with a swab:
   to swab the ship's deck.
4. to take up or apply (moisture, etc.) with or as if with a swab on (a wound):
   to swab antiseptic on the wound.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

swab  (swob), n., v., swabbed, swab•bing. 
n. 

1. a large mop used on shipboard for cleaning decks, living quarters, etc.
2. a bit of sponge, cloth, cotton, or the like, sometimes fixed to a stick, for cleansing the mouth of a sick person or for applying medicaments, drying areas, etc.
3. the material collected with a swab as a specimen for microscopic study.
4. a brush or wad of absorbent material for cleaning the bore of a firearm.
5. Slang Terms a sailor;
   swabby.
6. Slang Terms a clumsy fellow.

v.t. 

7. to clean with or as if with a swab:
   to swab the decks.
8. to take up or apply, as moisture, with or as if with a swab:
   to swab soapy water from the decks.
9. to pass over a surface:
   to swab a mop over the decks.

Also, swob. 

• back formation from swabber 1645–55

Swab., 

1. Swabia.
2. Swabian.