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
Multiple people dressed in cardboard robot costumes waved cardboard scythes around. — Hayden Field, The Verge, 29 Sep. 2026 Greengrass might be taking a big swing (of the scythe), but his blade finds its target nevertheless. — Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Verb
Then in early September, the Houthis scythed through the Red Sea port of Mokha, along with Dhubab, Bab el-Mandeb and Perim Island. — Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026 Exactly three minutes and 10 seconds elapsed between Mbappe being scythed to the ground and the Frenchman being allowed to actually take the penalty kick. — Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 9 July 2026 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 14 Oct. 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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about scythe

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