clean and jerk

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of clean and jerk¹

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

Aided by massive British support in the crowd, Campbell roared in celebration after lifting the weight, which put her in third going into the clean and jerk.

From BBC

Canadian Nicolas Vachon opted for the heaviest weight in the clean and jerk of 187kg and also looked to have seized the gold, only to drop the bar behind him at the final moment.

From Seattle Times

In 1957, he became the world’s first man under 200 pounds to clean and jerk 400.

From Seattle Times

That backfired as Djuraev responded with a successful final lift and Martirosyan was left to attempt a 238kg clean and jerk, three kilograms more than he would have needed to secure gold.

From Seattle Times

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

From Washington Post