Cleaning
/ˈkliːnɪŋ/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe process of removing dirt, grime, or impurities from something.
/ˈkliːnɪŋ/
The act of making something clean.
The cleaning of the house took three hours.
💡 Simply: Cleaning is like giving something a bath to make it nice and sparkly! Like washing your toys or wiping down a table.
👶 For kids: Making something dirty become not dirty.
More Examples
She's responsible for cleaning the kitchen.
How It's Used
"The spring cleaning took all day."
"The office requires regular cleaning."
To remove dirt, grime, or impurities from something.
/ˈkliːnɪŋ/
To make something clean.
I'm cleaning my room.
💡 Simply: Cleaning means getting rid of dirt and mess. Like wiping spills or brushing your teeth.
👶 For kids: To make something not dirty.
More Examples
He cleaned the car.
How It's Used
"I'm cleaning the kitchen."
"The surgeon is cleaning the wound."
Idioms & expressions
spring cleaning
A thorough cleaning of a house or other space, typically done in the spring.
"We're doing some spring cleaning this weekend."
From Middle English *clenen, from Old English *clǣnian, from clǣne "clean".
The word 'cleaning' has been used in a similar fashion throughout history, always referring to the act of making something clean.
Memory tip
Think of 'clean' + '-ing' to remember it's the act of cleaning.
Word Origin
"to make clean"