Pronunciation: [swˈɒθs] (IPA) 
The word "swaths" is spelled with a "th" combination that is pronounced as a voiceless dental fricative. This sound is represented in IPA phonetic transcription as /θ/. It is important to note that the spelling of "swaths" does not follow the common English spelling rule of using "s" for pluralization, as in "cats" or "dogs". Instead, "swaths" is the plural form of "swath", which refers to a strip of land or a row of cut grass.
Swaths, as a noun, refers to wide strips or areas of land, fabric, or other material that are characterized by their breadth or expanse. Swaths often imply a considerable extent or coverage, typically appearing as long and broad patches, bands, or portions within a larger context. The term is commonly used to describe areas of land, such as fields or meadows, that have been cleared or harvested, leaving behind broad stretches of open space. In this sense, swaths refer to the areas that have been mowed, cut, or stripped of vegetation.
Besides land, the term can also be employed when discussing textiles and fabrics. In this context, swaths are large pieces of cloth that are wide and lengthy, used for various purposes such as sewing, crafting, or decorating. Swaths of fabric can also be indicative of the amount or supply available.
Additionally, swaths can be figuratively used to describe wide ranges or portions of time, circumstances, or actions. For instance, one might say that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected swaths of the global population, conveying the idea that it has impacted large segments or groups of people.
Overall, swaths encompass the concept of extensive, broad sections or quantities of land, fabric, time, or any other material that have a significant size or coverage.
The word "swath" originated from the Old English word "swæth", which means "a track or trace made by a person or thing". It is related to the Old High German word "swada", which means "a track or footstep". The term was primarily used in agriculture to describe a strip of mowed or reaped vegetation, created by the action of a scythe or a similar tool. Over time, the plural form of "swath" began to be used as "swaths" to refer to multiple strips or tracks made during these activities. The word has since expanded in usage to describe other forms of continuous strips or tracks in various contexts.
