take a specimen of tissue or secretions from (a person or part of the body) for examination

we need to be swabbing people with any hint of illness

locals have flocked in today in order to get swabbed for the virus

police swabbed his cheek for DNA and questioned him for hours on Thursday

clean (a floor or other surface) with a mop or other absorbent device

the crew were swabbing down the decks

an absorbent pad or piece of material, often on a stick or rod, used in surgery and medicine for cleaning wounds and skin, applying medication, or taking specimens

a mop or other absorbent device for cleaning or mopping up a floor or other surface

a contemptible person

‘Avast, ye swabs,’ she shouted