cleaner

noun

clean·​er ˈklē-nər 

plural cleaners

1

a

: one whose work is cleaning

b

: dry cleaner

also : a dry-cleaning shop

—usually 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

The latter grew up at the elite Lundsberg boarding school, where his mother worked as a cleaner. — Annika Pham, Variety, 24 Aug. 2026

Wilkinson adds that many specialty cleaners are manufactured in tiny, expensive bottles that actually consist mostly of water. — Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 22 Aug. 2026

With water staying cleaner for longer, your flowers stay fresher for longer, too. — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Aug. 2026

Ryan Marino, the standards development and research manager for the Tile Council of North America, cautions homeowners to stay away from strong acidic cleaners. — Abid Haque, Architectural Digest, 20 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