housecleaning

[ hous-klee-ning ]

noun

1. the act of cleaning cleaning a house, room, etc., and its furnishings, especially the act of cleaning cleaning thoroughly and completely.
2. the act of improving or reforming by weeding out excess or corrupt personnel or of revising methods of operation.

Word History and Origins

Origin of housecleaning¹

First recorded in 1860–65; house + cleaning

Example Sentences

The Republican presidential candidate recently offered his emphatic endorsement of a housecleaning when a YouTube personality asked whether he would restore trust in government by holding federal workers “accountable.”

From Los Angeles Times

But even after a new album — the band’s 12th — was released in April, concert sales lagged, leading to the cancellations and a housecleaning behind the scenes.

From New York Times

Irregular labor like yard work or housecleaning is their only way of making a living.

From Seattle Times

She says her housecleaning service uses all-natural, nontoxic ingredients with no known carcinogens, human or aquatic toxins, and no known reproductive toxins.

From Seattle Times

Spending time with such a character inspired Wenders to do a little housecleaning.

From Los Angeles Times