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

Then keep scrolling to see more carpet cleaners on sale now at Amazon. —Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025

Run an empty hot cycle with a cup of white vinegar or a washing machine cleaner to freshen things up. —Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 12 Sep. 2025

The transportation alternative also aims to keep the air shed cleaner and to prevent air pollution that might affect the lake’s clarity. —Amelia Wu, Sacbee.com, 11 Sep. 2025

There’s a weird distance between our heroes and the victims, one of whom is found in the dry-cleaner’s rather than the Arconia proper. —Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 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