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

• cleanser
• detergent
• 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

At-home treatment options: Try reducing eyelid inflammation with warm compresses, eyelid massages, or eyelid cleaners. —Sarah Hudgens, Health, 17 May 2025

Crowley says the Film Ready program encourages shooting in towns that previously hadn’t benefited from production dollars — like the spend on groceries and dry cleaners and hardware stores. —Stuart Miller, Variety, 17 May 2025

Stay away from chemical cleaners and brushes that can chip the coating off and destroy the material. —Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 16 May 2025

Also, run a dehumidifier to keep your basement or crawl space dry, and apply mold-resistant paints, materials, and cleaners to curb mold and mildew growth. —Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 May 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