clean
clean — verb
1. to get dirt, marks, or unwanted materials off a surface, object, or person by wa
to get dirt, marks, or unwanted materials off a surface, object, or person by washing, wiping, or brushing
Shanti cleaned the kitchen floor with a mop and a bucket.
clean + [place] + with [tool]
The dentist told Aoi to clean her teeth after every meal.
direct object: body part — clean teeth / clean hands
Brooke used a special cloth to clean the glass window.
Hassan helped his mother clean the car on Saturday morning.
help [person] clean [object]
Please clean your hands with soap before you eat dinner.
- clean the floor
- clean your teeth
- clean the car
- clean the kitchen
- clean with soap
- clean with water
- dirty
the opposite action — to make something unclean
Grammar Patterns
clean + noun phrase
Common Mistakes
2. for a surface, object, or person to get free of dirt or stains, typically as a r
for a surface, object, or person to get free of dirt or stains, typically as a result of washing or wiping
This carpet cleans easily with just a little soap and warm water.
intransitive: [carpet] cleans easily
Noa watched the white shirt clean up nicely in the washing machine.
phrasal verb: clean up (intransitive)
The bathroom floor cleans faster when you use hot water and a mop.
[surface] cleans + adverb of manner
Dahlia's new leather shoes clean well with just a soft brush.
- clean easily
- clean well
- clean quickly
- clean up
Grammar Patterns
[thing] cleans [adverb]
Usage Note
Subject is the thing becoming clean, not the person doing the cleaning. Often used with an adverb (easily, well, quickly) to describe how well the cleaning works.
Common Mistakes
3. to take out the internal organs of a fish, bird, or animal before cooking and ea
to take out the internal organs of a fish, bird, or animal before cooking and eating it
The fisherman cleaned the fish before taking it home for dinner.
direct object: fish/animal for food preparation
Ignacio watched his grandmother clean the chicken for Sunday lunch.
Aylin learned to clean a rabbit from her uncle on the farm.
You should clean a fish as soon as possible after catching it.
time expression with clean: as soon as possible after catching
Amihan helped her father clean the ducks they raised on their land.
- clean a fish
- clean a chicken
- clean a rabbit
- clean a duck
Grammar Patterns
clean + [animal/fish] + for [purpose]
Usage Note
Only applies to animals raised or caught for eating — not for pets or wild animals you do not intend to cook.
Common Mistakes
clean — noun
1. the act of removing dirt, dust, or mess from a place or object in order to make
the act of removing dirt, dust, or mess from a place or object in order to make it clean and tidy
Lotte gave her kitchen a thorough clean after the dinner party.
give + noun phrase + a clean pattern
The old rug needs a good clean before we put it in the living room.
need + a clean for objects that are dirty
Ryan's car was so dusty that a full afternoon clean was the only option.
After the building work, the whole house needed a deep clean from top to bottom.
deep clean collocation for thorough cleaning
Anjali gave the bathroom a quick clean before her guests arrived.
- give something a clean
- need a clean
- a good clean
- a thorough clean
- a deep clean
- a quick clean
- scrub
implies a more vigorous, thorough cleaning with hard rubbing ('the floor needs a good scrub')
Grammar Patterns
give + noun phrase + a clean
need + a clean
have + a clean
Usage Note
This noun is most commonly used in fixed patterns with verbs like 'give', 'need', or 'have'. It is almost always singular and preceded by an article ('a', 'an') or a determiner. For example, 'give the floor a clean' or 'the bathroom needs a proper clean'.
Common Mistakes
clean — adjective
1. having no dirt, dust, marks, or other unwanted substances on the surface or in a
having no dirt, dust, marks, or other unwanted substances on the surface or in a space.
Ilan washed the kitchen floor, and now it is clean and dry.
Mum gave Kwame a clean towel after his bath.
collocation: clean + towel / shirt / blanket
The water in this glass looks clean enough to drink.
Gabriela put on a clean shirt before she left for school.
The cat likes to sleep on a clean blanket by the fire.
predicative use: the blanket is clean
- clean clothes
- clean water
- clean air
- clean surface
- clean room
- clean hands
Usage Note
The opposite is dirty. For food or water, clean means safe to eat or drink. For a person or animal, clean means having washed.
Common Mistakes
2. done in an honest way that follows the rules, without cheating or taking unfair
done in an honest way that follows the rules, without cheating or taking unfair advantages.
The referee made sure the match stayed clean and fair for both teams.
collocation: a clean match / fight / game
Chiara promised to run a clean election campaign with no secret donations.
In a clean boxing match, neither fighter is allowed to hit below the belt.
The company maintains a clean reputation by treating all partners honestly.
collocation: clean reputation
Kabir told us the deal was completely clean and approved by both lawyers.
- clean fight
- clean match
- clean election
- clean deal
- clean competition
- fair
broader term for equal treatment; can replace clean in most contexts
- sporting
especially describes generous, fair-minded behaviour in games
- aboveboard
emphasises openness and transparency; slightly formal
Usage Note
Frequently used in sports, business, and politics to describe conduct that is openly fair rather than secretly dishonest.
Common Mistakes
3. not connected with any criminal activity, such as carrying illegal drugs, weapon
not connected with any criminal activity, such as carrying illegal drugs, weapons, or stolen goods, and having no record of past offences.
The police checked Sirin's bag and said she was clean with nothing illegal inside.
Applicants for this job must have a clean criminal record with no past convictions.
collocation: clean criminal record
Security guards checked everyone at the entrance to make sure they were clean.
All athletes must show a clean drug test before they can enter the competition.
collocation: clean drug test
The landlord only accepts tenants who can prove they have a clean record.
- clean record
- clean drug test
- clean background check
- clean search
- clean report
- law-abiding
describes a person who always follows the law; broader than clean
- innocent
means not guilty of a specific crime; not a direct synonym for having a clean record
- blameless
emphasises moral innocence rather than legal status
Usage Note
Distinguish from sense 2 (HONEST): sense 2 describes conduct that is fair and within the rules, while this sense focuses on the absence of any criminal history or illegal items. Commonly appears in police checks, job applications, and background screenings.
Common Mistakes
4. free from any content or behaviour that is corrupt, cruel, harmful, or intended
free from any content or behaviour that is corrupt, cruel, harmful, or intended to offend people.
The comedian tried to keep his show clean by avoiding rude jokes about religion.
attributive: a clean show / clean comedy
Many parents look for clean entertainment that the whole family can watch together.
The magazine promised to publish only clean content that is suitable for all ages.
Ramón told us to keep our language clean around the younger children.
collocation: keep it clean / keep your language clean
The school library only stocks clean books with positive messages for students.
- clean show
- clean comedy
- clean content
- clean fun
- clean living
Usage Note
Distinguish from sense 5 (DECENT): this sense covers general moral decency and the absence of any harmful or corrupt content, while sense 5 refers specifically to avoiding sexual references.
5. not containing any sexual references, images, or words that could embarrass or o
not containing any sexual references, images, or words that could embarrass or offend people.
This hotel room service offers only clean movies with no adult scenes at all.
collocation: clean movie / clean film
Anong prefers clean humour that everyone can laugh at without feeling awkward.
The radio station plays only clean versions of songs with all strong language removed.
collocation: clean version of a song
Darius promised to keep his comedy routine clean because the audience included children.
The school asks students to tell clean jokes during the annual talent show event.
- clean movie
- clean joke
- clean humour
- clean version
- clean lyrics
- decent
often used interchangeably, though decent is broader in meaning
- wholesome
suggests positively healthy and good, not just non-sexual
- inoffensive
focuses on not causing offence; broader than just sexual content
Usage Note
Distinguish from sense 4 (MORAL): sense 4 is about general moral decency and absence of corruption, while this sense is specifically about avoiding sexual or obscene material. Often used in media ratings, parental guidance discussions, and public broadcast standards.
6. no longer using an addictive substance such as an illegal drug or alcohol, after
no longer using an addictive substance such as an illegal drug or alcohol, after a period of dependence on it.
Mark has been clean for two years after he stopped taking drugs completely.
predicative use with duration: has been clean for [period]
The support group helps people who want to stay clean and avoid alcohol.
Hyun feels proud every morning when he wakes up clean and healthy again.
The clinic offers free counselling for people who are trying to get clean.
collocation: get clean / stay clean
Caleb celebrated reaching one year clean with a party for his closest friends.
- clean for [period]
- get clean
- stay clean
- remain clean
- clean and sober
Usage Note
This sense is almost always used predicatively (he is clean) and never before a noun (*a clean person). Frequently followed by a duration: clean for [X years/months]. Can also apply to alcohol (clean and sober).
Common Mistakes
7. describes a surface or edge that is smooth, even, and free of bumps, roughness,
describes a surface or edge that is smooth, even, and free of bumps, roughness, or sharp projections
The carpenter ran his hand over the clean edge of the new table.
A clean cut through the leather requires a very sharp knife.
clean + noun describing a smooth cut
Élise admired the clean lines of the modern building's design.
collocation: clean lines
Daichi sanded the wooden surface until it felt perfectly clean and smooth.
- clean edge
- clean cut
- clean lines
- clean break
- rough
opposite — having an uneven or bumpy surface
Usage Note
Often used of edges, cuts, shapes, and design lines where evenness is the key quality.
8. done with precision and without mistakes, especially describing a movement or ac
done with precision and without mistakes, especially describing a movement or action that shows good training or technique
The surgeon made a clean incision that healed with almost no scarring.
clean + noun describing a skilful action
Tariro's clean catch at the boundary won the match for her team.
The mechanic did a clean job of replacing the brake pads on my car.
Ramón delivered a clean presentation that impressed the whole board of directors.
do a clean job / deliver a clean presentation
Zayd played a clean piano recital with no wrong notes and steady timing.
clean + [event noun] — piano recital / performance / match
- clean hit
- clean catch
- clean shot
- clean job
- clean performance
- clean presentation
Usage Note
Common with nouns describing actions or results: clean hit, clean throw, clean dive, clean sweep (sports victory). Not used for describing a person themselves (❌ a clean player).
Common Mistakes
9. used before a noun to mean 'complete' or 'total', especially when describing a s
used before a noun to mean 'complete' or 'total', especially when describing a separation, escape, or fresh start that leaves nothing behind
The thief made a clean escape before anyone noticed the missing painting.
collocation: clean escape
After the election, the party wanted a clean break with the old policies.
collocation: clean break
The new manager ordered a clean sweep of all outdated procedures.
collocation: clean sweep
Caleb made a clean start after moving to a different city last year.
The court ruling gave the company a clean slate to rebuild its reputation.
collocation: clean slate
- clean break
- clean sweep
- clean slate
- clean start
- clean escape
- clean getaway
- partial
incomplete — opposite of total/complete
Usage Note
Only used before a noun (attributive position). Common in fixed phrases: clean break, clean sweep, clean slate, clean start, clean getaway. Cannot be used after a linking verb (❌ The escape was clean).
Common Mistakes
10. describes a page, paper, or other writing surface that is blank and has nothing
describes a page, paper, or other writing surface that is blank and has nothing written, printed, or drawn on it yet
The student opened a clean notebook and began writing notes for the class.
Walid pulled a clean sheet of paper from the printer tray for his sketch.
collocation: clean sheet of paper
The teacher handed out clean copies of the test to each student in the room.
Please begin writing your essay on a clean page in the exam booklet.
Lakshmi always kept a clean notepad next to her desk for phone messages.
collocation: clean notebook / clean notepad
- clean sheet of paper
- clean page
- clean notebook
- clean copy
- clean form
- written on
already containing writing or marks
- used
already filled or partially filled
Usage Note
Used before a noun (attributive only). Most often with paper, page, sheet, notebook, copy, or form. Not used for electronic documents — the equivalent is 'blank' or 'empty'.
Common Mistakes
Extremely clean, with no dirt or marks.
After scrubbing for an hour, the kitchen floor was as clean as a whistle.
Did you get the windows as clean as a whistle for the inspection?
A statement that someone or something is healthy or in good condition.
The vet gave our dog a clean bill of health after the checkup.
Did the old car receive a clean bill of health from the mechanic?
a clean break
idiomA complete and final separation from a person, place, or situation.
Maya decided to make a clean break from her old job.
After the divorce, he wanted a clean break from his ex-wife.
a clean sheet/slate
idiomA record showing no mistakes or wrongdoings, allowing a fresh start.
The new manager started with a clean slate and no past problems.
After the apology, they agreed to begin with a clean sheet.
To remove all unwanted people or things from an organization, or to win all prizes in a competition.
The new CEO made a clean sweep of the entire management team.
Our school made a clean sweep of the science fair awards.
To finally tell the truth about something you have been hiding.
After weeks of lies, Tom came clean about the missing money.
Why don't you come clean with your parents about the accident?
keep your nose clean
idiomTo avoid getting into trouble or doing anything illegal.
Since his release, Diego has kept his nose clean and found a job.
If you keep your nose clean, the boss will trust you more.
To confess fully to something you feel guilty about.
Sara made a clean breast of cheating on the exam to her teacher.
He felt better after making a clean breast of his mistake.
wipe the slate clean
idiomTo forget past mistakes or disagreements and start a relationship anew.
After the argument, they decided to wipe the slate clean and be friends.
The company offered to wipe the slate clean for returning employees.
clean — adverb
1. informally used before a verb or preposition to mean 'completely' or 'all the wa
informally used before a verb or preposition to mean 'completely' or 'all the way', emphasising that an action has no part left unfinished
Yuki clean forgot about her dentist appointment until the clinic called.
clean + forgot (common colloquial pattern)
The sword cut clean through the rope with one smooth motion.
cut clean through (adverb before preposition)
After the flood, the bridge was clean gone — washed away entirely.
Imran's throw missed the target clean and hit the wall behind it.
miss + clean (intensifying a verb of failure)
The shop on Elm Street was clean out of milk by nine in the morning.
clean out of (adverb + preposition phrase)
- clean forgot
- clean through
- clean gone
- clean out of
- miss clean
- completely
neutral register, works in formal and informal contexts
- totally
slightly less formal than 'completely', common in speech
- entirely
more formal than 'clean'; used in all registers but never in the before-verb slot that 'clean' occupies
Grammar Patterns
clean + verb
clean + preposition
Usage Note
Informal sense used mainly in everyday speech and casual writing. The adverb goes immediately before the verb or preposition it modifies. It does not appear in formal academic or business writing.
Common Mistakes
Word family
- cleanernounA2
- cleaningnounA2
- cleanseverbB2
- cleansingadjectiveB2
- cleanlyadverbB2
- cleanlinessnounB2
- uncleanadjectiveB2
- clean-cutadjectiveC1
Synonym discussion
Sense: verb/1
Clean is the general-purpose word for removing dirt from any surface or object. Wash specifically means using water (often with soap or detergent). Scrub implies vigorous rubbing with a brush or abrasive tool to remove tough grime. Wipe is a lighter action — passing a cloth over a surface, not necessarily removing deep dirt. Mop is limited to floors, using a long-handled tool with a wet or dry pad. Rinse means using only water (or another liquid) to wash away soap or loose dirt — you rinse a dish after scrubbing it, but rinsing alone rarely makes something fully clean. Use cases: 'I washed my hands with soap', 'She scrubbed the burnt pan', 'He wiped the table with a damp cloth', 'They mopped the kitchen floor', 'Rinse the vegetables under cold water before cooking.'
Common collocations
Etymology
From Old English clǣne, meaning 'free from dirt, pure, clear'. It traces back to West Germanic *klainja-, related to Old High German kleini ('fine, dainty'). Over centuries the word acquired figurative senses: honesty (15th c.), moral decency (16th c.), skillfulness (17th c.), and completeness (19th c.).