Janitor: meaning, definitions and examples

Used primarily in the United States to describe a person responsible for cleaning and maintaining a building, especially schools or offices.

• The janitor cleans the classrooms every evening.
• The janitor fixed the leaky faucet in the restroom.

Similar to 'janitor', but often used in a more formal or respectful context in the United States, implying both cleaning and maintenance responsibilities.

• The custodian makes sure the school is clean and in good repair.
• Our building's custodian is very diligent and hard-working.

Refers specifically to someone whose job is to clean spaces like offices, homes, or other buildings. It does not generally include maintenance work beyond cleaning.

• The cleaner comes to our office twice a week.
• I hired a cleaner to tidy up my apartment.

Commonly used in the UK and can refer to someone who looks after a building or estate as well as someone who takes care of a person, such as an elderly or disabled individual.

• The school caretaker ensures the grounds are well-maintained.
• The caretaker helped the elderly woman with her daily chores.

Used primarily to describe someone responsible for cleaning and maintenance in buildings such as schools, offices, or apartments.

• The janitor ensured that all the classrooms were clean before the students arrived
• The janitor fixed the broken light in the hallway

Refers to someone whose job is to control entry to a building or event, often associated with formal settings like clubs or theaters.

• The doorkeeper checked everyone's tickets before letting them into the concert
• The doorkeeper greeted all visitors with a friendly smile

Typically denotes someone who helps with carrying luggage, especially in places like hotels, train stations, or airports. Can also refer to hospital staff who transport patients and equipment.

• The porter carried our bags up to the hotel room
• The hospital porter wheeled the patient to the operating room