cleaner

American  

[klee-ner] / ˈkli nər /

noun

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

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

3. a preparation for use in 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

Explanation

A cleaner is either a person whose job involves tidying and disinfecting, or it's a substance used to do that work, like soap. If the cleaner runs out of window cleaner, they might try using vinegar. Professional cleaners might work in people's homes, in which case you might call them housekeepers, or they might work in office buildings, on work sites, or really anywhere that needs to be cleaned. Some cleaners (like dry cleaners) clean clothing and other textiles. Being a cleaner is hard work — and if you've ever watched workers suspended on scaffolding using big squeegees to clean skyscraper windows, you know that it can be thrilling work, too.

Example Sentences

The "clean power" logic is that a cleaner grid will make everything that runs on electricity, from cars to heating, cleaner by default.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

The breakthrough not only resolves a long-standing biochemical puzzle, but also points toward cleaner, more efficient methods for producing pharmaceuticals.

From Science Daily • Apr. 11, 2026

Adriana Rivas moved to Australia in 1978, where she worked as a nanny and a cleaner in the Sydney's Bondi suburb.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

Railroad operators have been testing cleaner alternatives to diesel-powered locomotives, including battery models, but still rely on diesel-electric for almost all freight routes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

It was about a woman in a small town who bought a vacuum cleaner.

From "Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH" by Robert C. O'Brien

Related Words

• cleanser
• disinfectant
• soap