janitor

noun

jan·​i·​tor ˈja-nə-tər How to pronounce janitor (audio)
Synonyms of janitor
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
: doorkeeper

Synonyms of janitor

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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
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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The 1,000-student liberal arts school — which boasts a statue of US President James Garfield, who worked as a janitor there to pay his tuition — eventually pulled more than $47 million from the fund. — Bloomberg, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026 Scott and Dylan walked away from faculty members and the video production crew and and Scott allegedly assaulted her in a janitor’s closet. — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026 The titular gang comprises Mac (McElhenney), a closeted wannabe tough guy; the narcissistic prepster Dennis (Glenn Howerton); Dennis’s chronically unsure fraternal twin, Dee (Kaitlin Olson); and the bar’s buffoonish janitor, Charlie (Charlie Day). — Paula Mejía, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026 The janitor then told nurses of the discovery, and police were notified as required by law. — Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 2 Aug. 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

janissary music
janitor
janitorial
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Cite this Entry

“Janitor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/janitor. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

janitor

noun
jan·​i·​tor ˈjan-ət-ər How to pronounce janitor (audio)
1
: doorkeeper
2
: a person who has the care of a building
janitorial
ˌjan-ə-ˈtōr-ē-əl How to pronounce janitor (audio)
-ˈtȯr-
adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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