Clean has 36 different meanings across 4 categories:
a weightlift in which the barbell is lifted to shoulder height and then jerked overhead
"He failed his powerlifting meet because he couldn't execute a clean, leaving him unable to attempt the jerk."
Removal of dirt.
"She spent the afternoon scrubbing the grease off her kitchen floor until it sparkled."
In plain English: A clean is a slang term for someone who has not used illegal drugs or alcohol.
"She added a little extra clean to the mixture before baking the bread."
Usage: Use "clean" as a noun only in specific phrases like "on the clean," which refers to being on duty or at work; otherwise, it functions primarily as an adjective or verb describing something free of dirt. Do not use it as a standalone noun to mean "removal of dirt," as that concept is better expressed with words like "cleaning."
make clean by removing dirt, filth, or unwanted substances from
"Clean the stove!"
"The dentist cleaned my teeth"
deprive wholly of money in a gambling game, robbery, etc.
"The other players cleaned him completely"
To remove dirt from a place or object.
"She spent the whole afternoon cleaning the kitchen floor after her friend's messy party."
In plain English: To clean means to remove dirt, mess, or unwanted things from something so it looks fresh and tidy.
"She spent the afternoon cleaning her kitchen."
Usage: Use "clean" as a verb to describe the act of removing dirt, debris, or stains from a surface or object. You can say "clean the kitchen" when you are actively washing dishes or wiping counters to make them free of mess.
free from dirt or impurities; or having clean habits
"children with clean shining faces"
"clean white shirts"
"clean dishes"
"a spotlessly clean house"
"cats are clean animals"
(of a record) having no marks of discredit or offense
"a clean voting record"
"a clean driver's license"
ritually clean or pure
"The priest declared the temple ritually clean after completing the purification rites."
not spreading pollution or contamination; especially radioactive contamination
"a clean fuel"
"cleaner and more efficient engines"
"the tactical bomb is reasonably clean"
(of behavior or especially language) free from objectionable elements; fit for all observers
"good clean fun"
"a clean joke"
exhibiting or calling for sportsmanship or fair play
"a clean fight"
"a sporting solution of the disagreement"
"sportsmanlike conduct"
not carrying concealed weapons
"The security guard stopped me at the entrance and asked for a pat-down to confirm I was clean before letting me into the restricted zone."
Free of dirt or impurities or protruberances.
"The janitor scrubbed the floor until it was completely free of any dirt or debris before she walked across it barefoot."
Not dirty.
"She wiped the kitchen counter until it was completely clean and free of any food spills."
In plain English: Clean means free from dirt, mess, or bad things.
Usage: Use clean to describe something free from dirt, stains, or unwanted physical matter like debris. This applies to objects, surfaces, and even hands after washing.
Fully and completely.
"After scrubbing the floor for hours, she finally declared it clean enough to let the baby crawl on."
In plain English: To clean something means to remove dirt, mess, or unwanted things from it.
"She cleaned up the kitchen in no time."
Usage: Use "clean" as an adverb to mean fully or completely when emphasizing that an action has been done without any remainder. Place it directly before words like cut, sweep, or wipe to indicate the task was finished thoroughly.
The word clean comes from Old English clǣne, meaning "clean" and "pure." It likely traces back to a root related to gleaming or shining.