noun
Common
cleaning
KLEE-nihng
Cleaning (noun) means the process or activity of removing dirt and mess from something. Example: “Sunday mornings are reserved for house cleaning.”
noun
1
The process or activity of removing dirt and mess from something.
"Sunday mornings are reserved for house cleaning."
"The cleaning took most of the afternoon."
"Cleaning the oven is the job that nobody in our flat enjoys."
How to use cleaning
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe act of tidying or scrubbing something clean.
Common pairings
spring cleaning
cleaning service
cleaning products
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Word forms
- Plural
- cleanings
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Sunday mornings are reserved for house _____.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for cleaning
See all rhymes for cleaning →Frequently asked questions
What does “cleaning” mean?
The word “cleaning” means the process or activity of removing dirt and mess from something. In plain terms, the act of tidying or scrubbing something clean.
How do you pronounce “cleaning”?
“Cleaning” is pronounced KLEE-nihng (/ˈkliːnɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “cleaning” in a sentence?
Here is “cleaning” used in a sentence: “Sunday mornings are reserved for house cleaning.”
What part of speech is “cleaning”?
“Cleaning” is a noun.
Is “cleaning” a common word?
“Cleaning” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between cleaning and disinfecting?
Cleaning removes visible dirt, dust, and mess from a surface, usually with soap or detergent and water. Disinfecting goes further, using chemicals to kill germs and bacteria that cleaning alone may leave behind. Cleaning makes a surface look tidy; disinfecting makes it hygienically safe. The two often work best together.
What are the types of cleaning?
Cleaning ranges from routine daily tidying to periodic deep cleaning that reaches neglected areas. Common categories include domestic or household cleaning, commercial cleaning of offices and shops, and specialised work such as end-of-tenancy or industrial cleaning. Dry cleaning is a separate process for fabrics that water could damage.
Why is cleaning important?
Cleaning removes dirt, allergens, and germs, which supports health and reduces the spread of illness. It also protects surfaces and belongings from damage, keeps spaces pleasant and safe to use, and creates order. Regular cleaning prevents grime from building up into harder, more time-consuming jobs later.
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