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

Deadline hears that the number of contract cleaners at the BBC’s London headquarters will be slashed by 70% from 31 to nine, according to unhappy insiders. —Jake Kanter, Deadline, 20 Mar. 2026

For example, most of Asia’s naphtha – a chemical used in paints and cleaners comes – through the Strait of Hormuz, according to the Independent Commodity Intelligence Services. —David Goldman, CNN Money, 17 Mar. 2026

For tougher messes, a commercial product like an oven cleaner might be best. —Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 16 Mar. 2026

The low, undivided space holds jugs of cleaners and bulky items like backstock paper towels and toilet paper. —Amy Panos, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Mar. 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