Word
janitor
Phoneticsjan·i·tor, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈdʒænətɝ/
UK/dʒˈænɪtɐ/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a person whose job is to take care of a building. They usually clean the floors, fix small problems, and look after the heating system.
n. a person employed to maintain, clean, and provide security for a building, such as a school or office complex. Often synonymous with 'custodian' or 'caretaker'.
Examples
“The janitor cleans the hallways every night.”
“After the basketball game, the school janitor stayed late to mop the gym floor and lock the doors.”
“While the administrative staff handled the paperwork, the janitor was responsible for the physical integrity of the facility, managing everything from plumbing repairs to waste disposal.”
Examples
simple
“The janitor cleans the hallways every night.”
contextual
“After the basketball game, the school janitor stayed late to mop the gym floor and lock the doors.”
complex
“While the administrative staff handled the paperwork, the janitor was responsible for the physical integrity of the facility, managing everything from plumbing repairs to waste disposal.”
Etymology
From Latin ianitor (“doorkeeper”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/janitor