cleaner

American  

[klee-ner] / ˈkli nər /

noun

1. a person who cleans, especially one whose regular occupation is cleaning cleaning offices, buildings, equipment, etc.

2. an apparatus or machine for cleaning, cleaning, as a vacuum cleaner.

3. a preparation for use in cleaning, cleaning, as a detergent or chemical bleach.

4. the owner or operator of a dry-cleaning establishment.

   The cleaner said he couldn't get the spot off my coat.

5. Usually cleaners. a dry-cleaning establishment.

   My suit is at the cleaners.

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idioms

1. take to the cleaners, to cause to lose all or a great deal of one's money or personal property, as through gambling or a bad investment.

   He got taken to the cleaners in the poker game last night.

cleaner British  

/ ˈkliːnə /

noun

1. a person, device, chemical agent, etc, that removes dirt, as from clothes or carpets

2. (usually plural) a shop, etc that provides a dry-cleaning service

3. informal to rob or defraud a person of all of his money

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Other Word Forms

• precleaner noun

Etymology

Origin of cleaner

First recorded in 1425–75, cleaner is from the late Middle English word clener. See clean, -er ¹

Example Sentences

It also highlights the need for funding to build "cleaner, alternative power plants to satisfy the energy needs", she said.

From Barron's

Using that $64 million to fund incentives for cleaner, efficient electric appliances could help tens of thousands of Californians eliminate indoor air pollution and climate emissions.

From Los Angeles Times

More couples are gifting practical things like vacuum cleaners this Valentine’s Day.

From MarketWatch

Could this year’s hottest Valentine’s Day gift be…a vacuum cleaner?

From MarketWatch

It described property used by lead plaintiff Janet Garcia for her work as a domestic cleaner being seized and destroyed when she was not present.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cleanser
• disinfectant
• soap