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

• 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

Choose cleaners specifically made for hardwoods, and don't oversaturate the floor. —Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 13 Aug. 2025

Try removing the knob and spray some electrical contact cleaner down the shaft of the knob. —John Paul Senior Manager Public Affairs and Traffic Safety Aaa Northeast, Hartford Courant, 10 Aug. 2025

Read on to learn more about the potential harm of using commercial kitchen cleaners inside the microwave and how to clean the appliance with natural cleaning solutions instead. —Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Aug. 2025

Original price: $11.99 A disk like this one leverages the natural antimicrobial properties of copper to keep bird bath water cleaner. —Jené Luciani Sena May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links., FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2025

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