cleaner

noun

clean·​er ˈklē-nər How to pronounce cleaner (audio)
plural cleaners
1
a
: one whose work is cleaning
b
: dry cleaner
also : a dry-cleaning shop
usually used in plural
2
: a preparation for cleaning
3
: an implement or machine for cleaning

see also take to the cleaners

Examples of cleaner in a Sentence

He recommends using baking soda as a general household cleaner. a kitchen shelf loaded with household cleaners
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.
Bronx prosecutors handling the attack on the MTA cleaner are expected to bring their evidence to a grand jury before he’s indicted, officials said. Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 7 Jan. 2025 In contrast, the number of cleaners and janitors remained stable, indicating that frontline service occupations were not significantly affected. London School Of Economics, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025 Once the garbage disposal is unobstructed, use a scrub brush or old toothbrush, as well as dish soap or drain cleaner to cleanse around the disposal impellers and dislodge grime. Julia Mitchem, Architectural Digest, 30 Dec. 2024 Unless the buildup is heavy, using the cloth alone without any glass cleaner will do an amazing job. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 29 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for cleaner 

Word History

First Known Use

1720, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of cleaner was in 1720

Dictionary Entries Near cleaner

Cite this Entry

“Cleaner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cleaner. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

cleaner

noun
clean·​er ˈklē-nər How to pronounce cleaner (audio)
1
: one whose work is cleaning
2
: a substance used for cleaning
3
: a device or machine for cleaning

More from Merriam-Webster on cleaner

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!