English Lexicon

Spring-Clean

/sprɪŋˈkliːn/
verbCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #1500 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As verb
  1. 1

    To clean a place thoroughly, especially in the spring.

    "Every year, we spring-clean the house to get rid of dust and clutter."
  2. 2

    To undertake a comprehensive cleaning or organizing effort.

    "She decided to spring-clean her office to improve her productivity."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

The term 'spring-clean' originates from the combination of 'spring', referring to the season associated with renewal and cleaning, and 'clean', which has Old English roots in 'clæne', meaning pure or clear. The phrase evolved in the 19th century to denote a thorough cleaning done in the springtime, reflecting cultural practices of seasonal cleaning.

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