Janitor: meaning, definitions and examples

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janitor

 

[ ˈdʒænɪtər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

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?

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Word Description / Examples
janitor

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.
custodian

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.
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.

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

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

Examples of usage

  • The janitor comes in early every morning to sweep the floors.
  • The school janitor is responsible for keeping the hallways clean.
Context #2 | Noun

historical

In medieval times, a janitor was a doorkeeper or porter, someone responsible for guarding the entrance to a building.

Synonyms

doorkeeper, porter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
janitor

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
doorkeeper

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
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.

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

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.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,827, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.