Words / A1

VAK-yoom-kleen-uh/ˈvækjuːm ˌkliːnə/

A vacuum cleaner is a machine that sucks dirt from floors and carpets. Countable: a vacuum cleaner, vacuum cleaners. Two words: vacuum cleaner (id: vacuum-cleaner). Informal short form: vacuum (later). A broom sweeps but does not suck; a sponge is for washing, not carpets. Mix-up: vacuum (empty space in science) without cleaner; and vacuum vs vacuum flask (a hot-drink bottle).

Meaning

A machine that sucks dirt from floors and carpets.

Examples

• “She cleaned the carpet with the vacuum cleaner.”
• “Empty the vacuum cleaner after you finish.”
• “The vacuum cleaner will not start — check the plug.”

Good to know

a vacuum cleaner (two words, sucks dirt). Short: vacuum. Contrast: broom (sweeps), sponge (wash). Mix-up: vacuum flask.

Near in meaning

vacuum

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