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

In these cases, heavy-duty chemical cleaners can overwhelm a fabric, leaving stains of their own, while gentle dish soap can produce excessive suds without eliminating the substance. —Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 18 June 2026

Best chrome wheel cleaner Best cleaners While many detailing brands use a one-cleaner-fits-all approach to wheels, Meguiar’s specifically formulates theirs for chrome. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2026

Using a special cleaner formulated for stainless steel for the exterior is best. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 16 June 2026

But now, having a robotic vacuum, mop, lawn mower or pool cleaner is fairly unremarkable. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 15 June 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