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
Recent Examples on the Web
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 janitor of the school is more important than the principal. — Mac Engel june 29, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 June 2026 Twice a month, students, janitors, security guards and other school staff can come get a full bag of produce. — Chris Wragge, CBS News, 12 June 2026 Some hospital staff, like janitors and cafeteria workers, still make minimum wage. — Cassie McGrath, Fortune, 19 June 2026 One that Dudley tried involved a Black janitor who earned $1,500 a year, while janitors at a school with white students earned twice that amount. — Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 June 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Janitor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/janitor. Accessed 7 Jul. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on janitor

Nglish: Translation of janitor for Spanish Speakers

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