Definition

A person or machine that cleans something, often used for cleaning homes, offices, or clothes.

Example

The cleaner came to tidy up the office every week.

Conversation

I need to take my clothes to the cleaner this weekend.

Oh, do you have a favorite place you go to?

Yeah, I always use that local cleaner near my house.

Nice! They do a great job on suits, don't they?

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Cleaner → It is formed from "clean" (from Old English *clæne*, meaning free from dirt or impurities) and "-er" (meaning a person who). The word "cleaner" refers to a person who makes something free from dirt or impurities.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who makes things 'free from dirt' ('clean') — the '-er' just means a person. A cleaner is someone who cleans.

Visually Confused Words