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

Hydrogen peroxide cleaners, however, do break down the tough shells of bacterial spores, lift biofilm off surfaces and work against colds and norovirus that cause digestive distress. — Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026

Examples include temporary office workers, building cleaners and security guards. — Paul Osterman, The Conversation, 11 Aug. 2026

Rinse to remove dirt, but skip soap or harsh cleaners, which can kill the good bacteria fermentation depends on. — Lauren Schuster, Kansas City Star, 10 Aug. 2026

An apartment cleaner, Sherbeyn said she's been working extra hard recently to turn over units as different construction crews cycle through town. — Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 9 Aug. 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