a field event in which athletes, using a running start, compete in jumping for height over a crossbar supported by two upright poles.
a jump for height made in this event.
an athletic event in which a competitor has to jump over a high bar set between two vertical supports
( as modifier )
high-jump techniques
informal to be liable to receive a severe reprimand or punishment
What is the high jump? The high jump is a track-and-field competition in which athletes attempt to complete the highest jump over a crossbar. An attempt in this event (the jump itself) is also called a high jump. In the high jump, a competitor (called a high jumper) must jump from one foot and must not cause the crossbar to fall—or else the attempt does not count. Each high jumper can opt to make the bar higher to complete a jump that’s higher than their competitors’ highest jump. They usually get three attempts to complete a jump. There are different high jump techniques, but the most popular involves the high jumper running toward the bar, turning as they jump, leaping over the bar backward, and arching their back in a way that avoids hitting the bar. High jump is a track-and-field event in the summer Olympic Games (the Summer Games) and it is also part of the modern decathlon. The high jump should not be confused with the long jump, which is a track-and-field (and decathlon) event in which athletes attempt to jump as far as possible. The pole vault also involves clearing a cross bar at the highest possible height, but pole vaulters do this by vaulting themselves into the air with a pole. Example: If she completes her next attempt, she will set a new world record in the high jump.
First recorded in 1890–95
First recorded in 1830–40
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The hammer throw and the high jump were briefly paused but when the former did resume Canada's Camryn Rogers produced another Games record - 74.91m.
From BBC ● Jul. 28, 2026
England's Morgan Lake did not clear the bar with any of her three efforts in the high jump.
From BBC ● Jul. 28, 2026
Athletes shivered their way through their media interviews and high jump champion Eleanor Patterson of Australia was wearing a tartan scarf while officials struggled to clear water from the runway.
From BBC ● Jul. 28, 2026
She shared California’s best high jump mark, was tied for second in the long jump and ranked second in the triple jump.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 31, 2026
“So what do you want me to do? Coach track? Maybe the high jump? Or the pole vault? I’m a heck of a pole vaulter.”
From "Okay for Now" by Gary D. Schmidt
If San Pedro wins, maybe he’ll do a dunk afterward in the gym or bring out the high-jump pit and try to clear his career-best 6-2.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 29, 2025
She topped the high-jump rankings with a clearance of 1.84m to give her 2032 points in total.
From BBC ● Aug. 2, 2022
Lane has a carefully constructed workout plan for Harrison: One day with a high-jump focus.
From Seattle Times ● Jul. 29, 2021
There are round-ended metal wall pieces shaped like bolster pillows, and sets of thin, squared-off uprights reminiscent of high-jump bars.
From New York Times ● Feb. 27, 2020
I wait until the next race is over, then crutch across the track and make my way toward the high-jump area.
From "The Running Dream" by Wendelin Van Draanen
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
