cleaner

noun

clean·​er ˈklē-nər How to pronounce cleaner (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Stock it with a portable air filter or air cleaner, and consider buying N95 face masks. Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025 Hand cleaner not provided at lavatory or hand washing sink. Gege Reed, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Oct. 2025 Samira, a 19-year-old student from Kabul, was in a religious education class on Wednesday when a cleaner entered the room and whispered something to her teacher, who ran out, and then came back minutes later, beaming with her phone. Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025 Frontline workers include cashiers, cleaners, health care and child care professionals and bank tellers, among others. Aman Kidwai, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cleaner

Word History

First Known Use

1720, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of cleaner was in 1720

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cleaner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cleaner. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

cleaner

noun
clean·​er ˈklē-nər How to pronounce cleaner (audio)
1
: one whose work is cleaning
2
: a substance used for cleaning
3
: a device or machine for cleaning

More from Merriam-Webster on cleaner

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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