Hoovering: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in British English to describe the action of using a vacuum cleaner. Can sometimes feel a bit informal or old-fashioned.

• I spent the morning hoovering the entire house.
• Can you do the hoovering in the living room, please?

Commonly used in American English to describe the act of using a vacuum cleaner. It is a straightforward, modern term.

• She was vacuuming the carpets when I called her.
• I need to finish vacuuming before our guests arrive.

A general term that means removing dirt, dust, and stains, without specifying the method. It's used in a wide range of situations and is very versatile.

• I will spend the weekend cleaning the house.
• She is responsible for cleaning the office every day.

Commonly used in British English to refer specifically to vacuuming. It's named after the brand Hoover, which became synonymous with vacuum cleaners.

• I'll be hoovering the living room in the afternoon
• My mum spends every Saturday hoovering the house

Used broadly in both American and British English to indicate the act of using a vacuum cleaner to remove dirt and dust from floors and surfaces.

• I've been vacuuming the carpets all morning
• We need to start vacuuming more often

A general term for making something free from dirt, dust, or mess. It can involve various methods and tools like washing, dusting, or vacuuming.

• I'm cleaning the kitchen before our guests arrive
• The cleaning crew comes every Monday