swab

Everyday

1. A swab is a small piece of cotton wool, often on a stick, used to clean a wound or put on medicine. tree →
2. A swab is also a sample taken with such a stick from someone's nose, throat or mouth, so it can be tested for germs: a Covid swab. tree →
3. (verb) To swab means to clean or wipe with a swab, or to take such a sample. tree →
4. (verb) To swab the deck means to clean the floor of a ship with a mop. tree →

In the lessons

In health and science lessons swabs are used in testing for infections and in first aid. In history and pirate stories sailors "swab the decks". In science experiments pupils may swab surfaces to grow bacteria on a plate. Phrases: "cotton swab", "throat swab", "nose swab", "take a swab", "swab the deck".

Examples

• The nurse cleaned the cut with a swab. tree →
• The doctor took a swab from my throat. tree →
• We did a swab test at home when I had a cough. tree →
• The pirates were made to swab the decks. tree →
• We swabbed the door handle and grew bacteria in a dish. tree →
• Use a cotton swab to dab on the cream. tree →
• Police can swab the inside of the cheek for DNA. tree →

Note

Verb doubles the b: swabbed, swabbing. Countable noun. In the USA cotton swabs are often called by the brand name Q-tips; in the UK "cotton buds". Never put cotton buds deep into ears.