cleaner

[klee-ner]

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.

cleaner

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• precleaner noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of cleaner¹

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

Idioms and Phrases

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.

Example Sentences

The concentration in commonly used wells fell by about 70 percent as many families sought cleaner water sources.

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The projections did not take account of policies such as a recent "net zero plan", which included investment in low-carbon fuels and cleaner manufacturing, he added.

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There were some fans, including one who posted: "I like the new site. The front page is much cleaner".

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For Florida State University atmospheric scientist Michael Diamond, however, the sudden rerouting of commercial vessels created a rare chance to investigate a major climate question -- How much do cleaner fuels change how clouds form?

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On Boxing Day, an edit by Sir James - the billionaire inventor of the bagless vacuum cleaner - will consider how the UK could boost its entrepreneurial spirit.

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Related Words

• cleanser 
• disinfectant 
• soap