janitor

noun

jan·​i·​tor ˈja-nə-tər 

1

: one who keeps the premises of a building (such as an apartment or office) clean, tends the heating system, and makes minor repairs

2

: doorkeeper

Synonyms

• caretaker
• custodian
• guardian
• keeper
• warden
• watchman

Examples of janitor in a Sentence

got a job as the night janitor at the elementary school

according to popular Christian tradition, St. Peter acts as janitor at heaven's pearly gates

Recent Examples on the Web

The 69-year-old country legend dressed up as Delia Deetz, who was played by Catherine O'Hara in the original Tim Burton film, while Linn, 67, joined in the fun as Danny DeVito's ghostly janitor character in this year's sequel, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024

Genet is a mustache-twirling villain who rose from museum janitor to nefarious warlord . . . —Erik Kain, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024

The Roaring Game centers on Rickey, a high school janitor who loses everything when his girlfriend, Kelly, is selected to play hockey for Team USA and compete in the World Games. —Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Oct. 2024

Parrotfish are essentially janitors who are very good at their jobs. —Benji Jones, Vox, 8 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from janus arch, gate

First Known Use

1629, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

janitor

noun

jan·​i·​tor ˈjan-ət-ər 

1

: doorkeeper

2

: a person who has the care of a building

janitorial

ˌjan-ə-ˈtōr-ē-əl 

-ˈtȯr-

adjective