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

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

From BBC

In the long-term, the talks aim to build a safer, cleaner world for everyone and prevent the worst of climate change.

From BBC

The UK government said the transition to cleaner energy would create thousands of new jobs, and pointed to its decision to set up Great British Energy.

From BBC

He has constantly attacked electric vehicles, promising to overturn Biden's targets encouraging the switch to cleaner cars.

From BBC

Some campaigners for cleaner waters told the BBC they were disappointed.

From BBC

Related Words

• cleanser
• disinfectant
• soap