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

• caretaker
• custodian
• guardian
• keeper
• warden
• watchman

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 law also covers support workers, such as janitors, housekeepers, food service workers, medical billing personnel and gift shop clerks. —Lindsey Holden, Sacramento Bee, 21 May 2024

After a couple of post-Peeta years spent under the radar, Hutcherson took on the lead role in the Hulu sci-fi series Future Man (2017–2020), portraying a time-traveling janitor. —Madeline Cisneros, EW.com, 19 May 2024

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