clean and jerk

American  

noun

Weightlifting.

1. a lift in which a barbell is raised from the floor to shoulder height where it is brought to rest and then, with a lunging movement by the lifter, is thrust overhead so the arms extend straight in the air, being held in this position for a short, specified length of time.

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Etymology

Origin of clean and jerk

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

"It's Olympic lifts we're doing - clean and jerk, snatches, squats, the lot," says men's lead Hammy McMillan.

From BBC • Feb. 18, 2026

The 30-year-old put forward a personal best performance, lifting 126kg in the snatch and 162kg in the clean and jerk to add bronze to the silver medal she won in Tokyo three years ago.

From BBC • Aug. 11, 2024

The defending champion from Georgia lifted 223 kilograms in the snatch and 265kg in the clean and jerk for a total 488kg on Wednesday.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 4, 2021

She was finished at halftime, essentially, without any points to carry into the second discipline, the clean and jerk.

From Washington Post • Aug. 2, 2021

A very good 197-lb weight lifter lifted 192 kg in a move called the clean and jerk.

From Textbooks • Feb. 14, 2019