high jump
1 Americannoun
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a field event in which athletes, using a running start, compete in jumping for height over a crossbar supported by two upright poles.
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a jump for height made in this event.
verb (used without object)
verb (used with object)
noun
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an athletic event in which a competitor has to jump over a high bar set between two vertical supports
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( as modifier )
high-jump techniques
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informal to be liable to receive a severe reprimand or punishment
Usage
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.
Other Word Forms
- high jumper noun
- high jumping noun
Etymology
Origin of high jump1
First recorded in 1890–95
Origin of high-jump1
First recorded in 1830–40
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Hall’s concentration is simply on her events Thursday, which include 100 hurdles, high jump, shot put and the 200.
From Seattle Times
Mahuchikh was a Ukrainian standout in Tokyo, taking high jump bronze aged just 19, and has spoken out since the war started 16 months ago.
From Seattle Times
Charity Griffith took first in the high jump with a personal best 6 feet, 4 inches to win Ball State’s first national title since 1999.
From Washington Times
Birmingham could have a new high jump star in basketball player Deshawn Banks.
From Los Angeles Times
It’s much the same for Lee, a two-time state qualifier in the high jump who is looking to make it three in her spring season.
From Washington Times
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.