scythe

1 of 2

noun

ˈsīṯẖ How to pronounce scythe (audio) ˈsī How to pronounce scythe (audio)
: an implement used for mowing grass, grain, or other crops and composed of a long curving blade fastened at an angle to a long handle

Illustration of scythe

Illustration of scythe

scythe

2 of 2

verb

scythed; scything

intransitive verb

: to use a scythe

transitive verb

: to cut with or as if with a scythe
scything cornstalks

Examples of scythe in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Matt with his stick; the reaper with his scythe. — Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026 It is bordered by a playground, tended by a man who cuts back the grass borders with a scythe. — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 26 June 2026
Verb
Most people were short and slight due to childhood malnutrition, and diseases scythed regularly through their weak immune systems. — Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026 Forest have rarely been opened up throughout their magnificent season, yet Newcastle scythed through the visitors at ease. — Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for scythe

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English sithe, from Old English sīthe; akin to Old English sagu saw — more at saw

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1574, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of scythe was before the 12th century

Rhymes for scythe

See All Rhymes for scythe

Browse Nearby Words

Scyth
scythe
scytheless
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scythe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scythe. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

scythe

noun
ˈsīt͟h, 
sī
: a tool that has a curved blade on a long curved handle and is used for mowing grass or grain by hand

More from Merriam-Webster on scythe

Nglish: Translation of scythe for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about scythe

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