cleaner

noun

clean·​er ˈklē-nər 

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

Synonyms of cleaner

• soap

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

The volunteers are managers, cleaners, tattoo artists — not geologists or paleontologists. — ABC News, 22 July 2026

That includes ensuring better filtration systems, building or renovating spaces to have better air circulation, and ensuring more quality in things like window sealings – all to keep the air inside cleaner and safer than what is happening outside. — Anjalee Khemlani, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

But the dirty truth is that most spray cleaners can’t kill all of the pathogens on a surface. — Emily Farris, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 July 2026

There are also some lower-cost DIY air cleaners that families can make with a box fan and filter. — Dr. Lauren Zajac, Boston Herald, 19 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1720, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing cleaner

• dry cleaner
• house cleaner
• pipe cleaner
• the cleaner's
• vacuum cleaner

Rhymes for cleaner

• diener
• gleaner
• greener
• keener
• leaner
• lienor
• meaner
• screener
• convener
• convenor
• demeanor
• demeanour

Kids Definition

cleaner

noun

clean·​er ˈklē-nər 

1

: one whose work is cleaning

2

: a substance used for cleaning

3

: a device or machine for cleaning