# cleaning

/ˈkɫinɪŋ/ (US) · /klˈiːnɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cleaning
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. the act of making clean

noun · CEFR A2

the activity of removing dirt or making a place tidy.

For teachers: the act or process of removing dirt, filth, or unwanted substances from a surface or environment.

- I usually do the cleaning on Saturday mornings so the house is ready for the weekend.
- The spring cleaning revealed several long-lost items behind the heavy oak cabinets in the dining room.

Usage: Often used as an uncountable noun or in the phrase 'do the cleaning'.

### 3. afterbirth

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

the material that comes out of a female animal, like a cow, after it gives birth.

For teachers: the placenta and fetal membranes discharged from the uterus after the birth of offspring.

- The farmer checked the cow to make sure the cleaning had come away properly.
- In veterinary medicine, a retained cleaning in livestock can lead to serious systemic infections if not addressed promptly.

Usage: Primarily used in veterinary or agricultural contexts.

## Examples

- The house needs a thorough cleaning before the guests arrive.
- The hotel staff performs a deep cleaning of every room between guest stays to maintain hygiene standards.
- While routine cleaning removes surface dust, a professional restoration requires specialized chemicals to strip away decades of accumulated grime without damaging the original woodwork.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.