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

Choose cleaners specifically made for hardwoods, and don't oversaturate the floor. —Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026

Importantly, climate regulation under the Clean Air Act was designed to make the existing system cleaner with sticks but offered little to create a new and better system with carrots. —Justin Worland, Time, 13 Feb. 2026

The film is a screen adaptation of Klima’s true story, drawn from his experience working as a crime scene cleaner in Los Angeles. —Zac Ntim, Deadline, 11 Feb. 2026

Enjoy Your Stay tells the story of Luz, who is from the Philippines and has been working as a cleaner in Switzerland without papers for several years. —Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 11 Feb. 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