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 of janitor

• custodian
• keeper
• warden
• caretaker

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

Some hospital staff, like janitors and cafeteria workers, still make minimum wage. —Cassie McGrath, Fortune, 19 June 2026

In the report, the student said Looney was walking to lunch at the school on March 3, 2025, when Looney asked for their social media contact information from the janitor’s closet, the statement said. —Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 17 June 2026

That means someone can get hired by UCHealth as a janitor, for example, then eventually become a nurse after enrolling in the system’s training program — at no cost. —Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 14 June 2026

Twice a month, students, janitors, security guards and other school staff can come get a full bag of produce. —Chris Wragge, CBS News, 12 June 2026

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