1. To glide or drift onward in a smooth, continuous motion in a current or as if being carried by one. We swept along in our tiny boat, watching the sun set over the ridge of the island. The leaves of the tree swept along as they fell into the stream.

2. To carry or push someone or something onward in a smooth, gliding motion. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "sweep" and "along." The river swept us along so quickly that we had no choice but to wait until it deposited us into calmer waters. Intense winds continued to sweep debris along through the streets.