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dry cleaner

American  

noun

dry cleaners plural
  1. a business that dry-cleans garments, draperies, etc.

  2. a person who owns or operates such an establishment.

  3. a liquid solvent used in dry cleaning.


Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

Etymology

Origin of dry cleaner

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

A nearby dry cleaner said the price of plastic garment covers had more than doubled, while a cafe owner noted a 50-percent increase in the cost of plastic cups.

From Barron's Jun. 28, 2026

This leaves smaller companies — say, a restaurant or a dry cleaner.

From MarketWatch Apr. 18, 2026

Be especially cautious if you live in a building above a dry cleaner.

From The Wall Street Journal Oct. 31, 2025

A dry cleaner has said businesses just 10 miles away can charge a quarter of the price for services due to differing energy prices between regions.

From BBC Mar. 31, 2025

“I told you the dry cleaner was closed,” calls a woman’s voice from the car.

From "Linked" by Gordon Korman

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