housecleaning

American  

[hous-klee-ning] / ˈhaʊsˌkli nɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of cleaning cleaning a house, room, etc., and its furnishings, especially the act of cleaning cleaning thoroughly and completely.

2. the act of improving or reforming by weeding out excess or corrupt personnel or of revising methods of operation.

---

Etymology

Origin of housecleaning

First recorded in 1860–65; house + cleaning

Example Sentences

But even after a new album — the band’s 12th — was released in April, concert sales lagged, leading to the cancellations and a housecleaning behind the scenes.

From New York Times

Irregular labor like yard work or housecleaning is their only way of making a living.

From Seattle Times

She says her housecleaning service uses all-natural, nontoxic ingredients with no known carcinogens, human or aquatic toxins, and no known reproductive toxins.

From Seattle Times

Spending time with such a character inspired Wenders to do a little housecleaning.

From Los Angeles Times

Variously voiced tales ranging from a shocking deathbed confession, a macabre housecleaning service, a half-haunted house and an interstellar thrill ride will engage even jaded listeners.

From Seattle Times