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

Apply your enzyme cleaner to the stain before sprinkling baking soda over the area. —Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 7 Nov. 2025

At the time of the launch, the lineup included all-purpose cleaners, dish soaps, hand washes, hand cream and candles, much of which was Made in Italy. —Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 6 Nov. 2025

Named as our favorite vacuum on Amazon, cordless brand Levoit’s newest cleaner gets high praise from associate commerce director Lori Keong for its ease of assembly and powerful and versatile cleaning. —Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 5 Nov. 2025

The indictment alleges that Robertson removed the patient's liquid oxycodone from the bottle and replaced it with household cleaner. —Liam Quinn, PEOPLE, 5 Nov. 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