spring-cleaning

noun

spring-clean·​ing ˈspriŋ-ˈklē-niŋ How to pronounce spring-cleaning (audio)
: the act or process of doing a thorough cleaning of a place

Examples of spring-cleaning in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But just where did the spring-cleaning tradition come from, and is there a right time to do it? — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 8 Mar. 2026 There’s hope for a spring-cleaning in Budapest for the rule of law, too. — Lionel Laurent, Twin Cities, 17 Apr. 2026 Now is the time to declutter as well, which can be its own task on your spring-cleaning checklist. — Lori Keong, Architectural Digest, 2 Apr. 2026 Entryways have a habit of getting cluttered quickly, which makes this sleek storage bench a spring-cleaning helper. — Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for spring-cleaning

Word History

Etymology

spring entry 2

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spring-cleaning was in 1841

Rhymes for spring-cleaning

See All Rhymes for spring-cleaning

Browse Nearby Words

spring-clean
spring-cleaning
spring cleavers
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Cite this Entry

“Spring-cleaning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spring-cleaning. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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