cleanout

[ kleen-out ]

noun

1. an act of cleaning out.
2. an opening or passage giving access to a place that requires occasional cleaning, as a soil pipe.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cleanout¹

1885–90, Americanism; noun use of verb phrase clean out

Example Sentences

To welcome me, the two of them did a complete cleanout of my cage.

From Literature

Had there been no cleanout, the sediment would’ve been so high by now, the dam’s release valves would’ve clogged, and officials would’ve been helpless as floodwaters rushed over the spillway, resulting in an uncontrolled flow downstream along the Arroyo Seco.

From Los Angeles Times

The cleanout was controversial more than a decade ago, with some neighbors and nature enthusiasts initially opposing it, upset about the loss of trees and other vegetation being torn up to clear room to store fast-moving mud falling from the mountains during rainstorms.

From Los Angeles Times

And unless they start hitting in Houston, their next ride home will be only for a clubhouse cleanout — not a parade.

From Seattle Times

Although most episodes are centered on tips and Q&As, some have White interviewing guests who offer a different perspective on organization, like her recent conversation with a “cleanout expert” whose job is to restore order to the homes of hoarders.

From New York Times