Cleaning lady: meaning, definitions and examples

Most suitable when referring to a woman who cleans houses or buildings on a regular basis, typically used in a domestic or informal context.

• The cleaning lady comes every Tuesday to clean our house.
• Our office has a cleaning lady who works after hours.

A more general term that can refer to anyone, regardless of gender, who cleans homes, offices, or other spaces. It can be used in both domestic and commercial contexts.

• We need a cleaner to clean the office every day.
• The cleaner did a great job with the carpets.

Often used in a formal or traditional context, usually referring to a woman who performs cleaning and sometimes other household tasks. It can carry an old-fashioned or negative connotation if used inappropriately.

• The maid tidied up the living room and cleaned the kitchen.
• In historical novels, maids are often depicted serving in wealthy households.

Typically used in more formal settings, such as hotels or large households, where the responsibility includes a wider range of tasks beyond just cleaning, such as managing household affairs.

• The housekeeper ensures that all the rooms in the hotel are spotless.
• Our family has a housekeeper who manages the household chores.