janitor

noun

jan·​i·​tor ˈja-nə-tər 

1

: one who keeps the premises of a building (such as an apartment or office) clean, tends the heating system, and makes minor repairs

2

: doorkeeper

Synonyms of janitor

• custodian
• keeper
• warden
• caretaker

Examples of janitor in a Sentence

got a job as the night janitor at the elementary school

according to popular Christian tradition, St. Peter acts as janitor at heaven's pearly gates

Recent Examples on the Web

The janitor resumed snapping at the bushes with her shears—tiny, clear quartz beads scattered. — Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026

Those excluded were primarily nurses, cooks and janitors stationed at state hospitals and prisons. — Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2026

People got jobs quickly, Sy said, at warehouses and factories, as janitors, stocking and packing for big-box stores. — Claire Galofaro, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026

Sasha Valera is a May-October love story between two of the institute’s janitors. — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from janus arch, gate

First Known Use

1629, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

janitor

noun

jan·​i·​tor ˈjan-ət-ər 

1

: doorkeeper

2

: a person who has the care of a building

janitorial

ˌjan-ə-ˈtōr-ē-əl 

-ˈtȯr-

adjective