spring-cleaning

[ spring-klee-ning ]

noun

1. a complete cleaning of a place, as a home, done traditionally in the spring of the year.
2. the activity of giving a place a complete cleaning:

   We've been involved in spring-cleaning and are exhausted.

Word History and Origins

Origin of spring-cleaning¹

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

In the first week of April, the badger's spring-cleaning began in downright earnest.

From Project Gutenberg

The Mole had been working very hard all the morning, spring-cleaning his little home.

From Project Gutenberg

The vanity of some women is such that some expect a pedestal—nay, an altar—when the spring-cleaning of their house is over.

From Project Gutenberg

Did Scarlett tell her himself in an access of moral spring-cleaning preparatory to matrimony?

From Project Gutenberg

He would bring back the spring-cleaning requisites on his bicycle that evening.

From Project Gutenberg