What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
janitor
Example
The janitor mopped the floors and emptied the trash cans. [janitor: noun]
Example
He worked as a janitor at the school, cleaning the classrooms and hallways. [janitor: noun]
custodian
Example
The custodian locked up the building at night and monitored the security cameras. [custodian: noun]
Example
She was hired as a custodian to oversee the maintenance and upkeep of the historic building. [custodian: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Janitor is more commonly used than custodian in everyday language. Janitor is a more general term that can be applied to a wide range of cleaning and maintenance positions, while custodian is a more specific term that may be used in more formal or professional contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between janitor and custodian?
Custodian is generally considered a more formal and professional term than janitor, which can be seen as more casual or blue-collar. However, both terms can be used in a variety of formality levels depending on the context.
