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

Clean natural stone countertops and tiles with specialized cleaners or mild soap and water. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 26 June 2025

The jobs most at risk include cashiers and ticket clerks, administrative assistants, caretakers, cleaners and housekeepers. —Janice Gassam Asare, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025

Where to watch: Prime Video 'Cleaner' Daisy Ridley stars in the action thriller as a window cleaner struggling to keep her job and care for her autistic older brother (Matthew Tuck). —Brian Truitt, USA Today, 21 June 2025

Recently, a Tempe, Arizona teenager, Renna Kay O'Rourke, engaged in a dangerous trend known as dusting—or inhaling chemicals from an aerosol duster or keyboard cleaner. —Sarah Scott, Parents, 12 June 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