cleaner

[ klee-ner ]

noun

1. a person who cleans, especially one whose regular occupation is cleaning cleaning offices, buildings, equipment, etc.
2. an apparatus or machine for cleaning, cleaning, as a vacuum cleaner.
3. a preparation for use in cleaning, 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.

cleaner

/ 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. take a person to the cleaners informal.
   to rob or defraud a person of all of his money

Other Words From

• pre·cleaner noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of cleaner¹

First recorded in 1425–75, cleaner is from the late Middle English word clener. See clean, -er ¹

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. take to the cleaners, Slang. 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.

Example Sentences

This flexibility could allow for reduced electrical requirements for the heating system or load shifting to times when electricity is less expensive and/or cleaner.

From Science Daily

To support himself during his studies, he took up jobs as a taxi driver and cleaner.

From BBC

Willis is starstruck the moment he sees Lana on a tiny TV screen at work, as servers and table cleaners push around him.

From Los Angeles Times

Arctic air also tends to be cleaner so with some clear skies on Sunday night, there could be a good chance of seeing the Leonid meteor shower.

From BBC

"If we can make people understand that keeping their environment clean benefits everyone, we’ll have a cleaner, healthier, and prouder Ghana."

From BBC

Related Words

• cleanser
• disinfectant
• soap