pipe cleaner

American  

noun

1. a short length of twisted flexible wires covered with tufted fabric, used to clean the stem of a smoker's pipe and for various handicrafts.

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pipe cleaner British  

noun

1. a short length of thin wires twisted so as to hold tiny tufts of yarn: used to clean the stem of a tobacco pipe

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Etymology

Origin of pipe cleaner

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

They are happily reminiscing about the memories that have been created over butter, potatoes, toothpaste and toilet cleaner during the years they have worked there.

From BBC • Oct. 25, 2024

He uses blue toilet cleaner to prevent patients from watering down their urine and has dismantled a spigot on the bathroom faucet to keep them from using warm water for the same purpose.

From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2024

Yakusho spent two days with a toilet cleaner learning his techniques, including how to use some custom-made tools.

From New York Times • Feb. 4, 2024

According to “Today,” Coca-Cola can be an effective toilet cleaner.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 7, 2023

Or, tantalizingly, It was toilet cleaner she used.

From "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood