Janitor: meaning, definitions and examples
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janitor
[ ˈdʒænɪtər ]
workplace
A janitor is a person who is employed to clean and maintain a building, especially the public areas.
Synonyms
caretaker, cleaner, custodian.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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janitor |
Used primarily in the United States to describe a person responsible for cleaning and maintaining a building, especially schools or offices.
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custodian |
Similar to 'janitor', but often used in a more formal or respectful context in the United States, implying both cleaning and maintenance responsibilities.
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cleaner |
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.
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caretaker |
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.
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Examples of usage
- The janitor comes in early every morning to sweep the floors.
- The school janitor is responsible for keeping the hallways clean.
historical
In medieval times, a janitor was a doorkeeper or porter, someone responsible for guarding the entrance to a building.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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janitor |
Used primarily to describe someone responsible for cleaning and maintenance in buildings such as schools, offices, or apartments.
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doorkeeper |
Refers to someone whose job is to control entry to a building or event, often associated with formal settings like clubs or theaters.
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porter |
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.
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Examples of usage
- The janitor greeted visitors at the castle gates.
- The janitor ensured that only authorized personnel entered the fortress.
Translations
Translations of the word "janitor" in other languages:
🇵🇹 zelador
🇮🇳 चपरासी
🇩🇪 Hausmeister
🇮🇩 penjaga
🇺🇦 прибиральник
🇵🇱 dozorca
🇯🇵 管理人
🇫🇷 concierge
🇪🇸 conserje
🇹🇷 kapıcı
🇰🇷 관리인
🇸🇦 بواب
🇨🇿 domovník
🇸🇰 domovník
🇨🇳 管理员
🇸🇮 hišnik
🇮🇸 umsjónarmaður
🇰🇿 күзетші
🇬🇪 მზარეული
🇦🇿 nəzarətçi
🇲🇽 conserje
Etymology
The word 'janitor' comes from the Latin word 'ianitor', which means 'doorkeeper'. Originally, a janitor was a doorkeeper or porter. Over time, the meaning evolved to include someone who is responsible for cleaning and maintaining a building. The role of a janitor has been essential in keeping public spaces clean and safe throughout history.