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

Scientists note that higher sunshine hours from October to May don't indicate cleaner air; rather, they reflect more cloud-free days.

Read more on BBC

"They want cleaner streets, and a community they can be proud of," he said.

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Homeowners thought they were hiring cleaners, but according to Los Angeles police, they instead got cleaned out.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The only person to show up on the departure date, however, is Ada, 22, a seamstress and house cleaner who is terrified of polar bears.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

SoftBank’s portfolio of investments includes companies that make autonomous floor cleaners and an array of technologies for warehouses.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• cleanser 
• disinfectant 
• soap