cleaner

noun

clean·​er ˈklē-nər 

plural cleaners

1

a

: one whose work is cleaning

b

: dry cleaner

also : a dry-cleaning shop

—usually used in plural

2

: a preparation for cleaning

3

: an implement or machine for cleaning

see also take to the cleaners

Synonyms

• cleanser
• detergent
• soap

Examples of cleaner in a Sentence

He recommends using baking soda as a general household cleaner.

a kitchen shelf loaded with household cleaners

Recent Examples on the Web

In Denver, greener playgrounds satisfied children’s needs and made the air cleaner. —Erika Page, The Christian Science Monitor, 4 Nov. 2024

Do not skip this step, as applying leather cleaner to a gritty surface can create microscratches that will leave the leather looking dull and worn out. —Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Nov. 2024

Now, he’s filled a syringe with drain cleaner and plans to inject it into a comatose drug addict. —Ben Travers, IndieWire, 1 Nov. 2024

Steam cleaner to deodorize, sanitize, and reduce allergens. —Cody Godwin, USA TODAY, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1720, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing cleaner

• dry cleaner
• house cleaner
• pipe cleaner
• the cleaner's
• vacuum cleaner

Kids Definition

cleaner

noun

clean·​er ˈklē-nər 

1

: one whose work is cleaning

2

: a substance used for cleaning

3

: a device or machine for cleaning