janitor

noun

jan·​i·​tor ˈja-nə-tər How to pronounce janitor (audio)
Synonyms of janitornext
1
: one who keeps the premises of a building (such as an apartment or office) clean, tends the heating system, and makes minor repairs
2

Examples of janitor in a Sentence

got a job as the night janitor at the elementary school according to popular Christian tradition, St. Peter acts as janitor at heaven's pearly gates
Recent Examples on the Web
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On May 8, the inevitable movie version, with Sally Field as the janitor, premieres on Netflix. Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026 Participants included janitors, security officers, airport workers and stadium employees affiliated with SEIU-United Service Workers West, along with a coalition of labor unions, civil rights organizations, immigrant advocacy groups and faith leaders. City News Service, Daily News, 1 May 2026 According to event organizers, speakers at the Grand Park rally will include SEIU-USWW President David Huerta, a janitor and a security officer, speaking on issues such as immigration reform and workers' rights. Julie Sharp, CBS News, 1 May 2026 The coaches’ office is no bigger than a janitor’s closet, but the yellow brick walls are lined with championship pictures, motivational quotes, magazine covers of female athletes, soccer star Hope Solo, and accomplishments of each coach. Pj Green april 30, Kansas City Star, 30 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for janitor

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from janus arch, gate

First Known Use

1629, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of janitor was in 1629

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Janitor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/janitor. Accessed 5 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

janitor

noun
jan·​i·​tor ˈjan-ət-ər How to pronounce janitor (audio)
1
2
: a person who has the care of a building
janitorial adjective

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