clean and jerk

noun

: a lift in weight lifting in which the weight is raised to shoulder height, held momentarily, and then quickly thrust overhead usually with a lunge or a spring from the legs compare press, snatch

clean-and-jerk

ˈklēn-ən(d)-ˈjərk

verb

Examples of clean and jerk in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Reeves lifted 117 kilograms (390 pounds) in the snatch and 145kg (320 pounds) in the clean and jerk for a total of 262kg to beat Mari Leivis Sanchez of Colombia by five kilograms in the women's 71kg division. —

CBS News, 9 Aug. 2024 After finishing the snatch session in fifth, Morris' podium chances rested on his clean and jerks. —

NBC News, 8 Aug. 2024 Rhodes also bench pressed 190, which gave her a winning 395 total in the Traditional competition, which combines the bench along with clean and jerk. —

Nate Marrero, Orlando Sentinel, 19 Feb. 2023 Unlike powerlifting, where the three staple moves (deadlift, squat and bench press) rely primarily on strength, the two core Olympic lifts (the snatch and the clean and jerk) are driven more by explosive power and technique. —

Philip Ellis, Men's Health, 26 June 2023 See all Example Sentences for clean and jerk

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'clean and jerk.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1913, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of clean and jerk was in 1913

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Clean and jerk.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clean%20and%20jerk. Accessed 18 Aug. 2024.

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