Definition

1. Noun:
   • A shop or business establishment where clothes and fabrics are cleaned using chemical solvents instead of water: "Dry cleaners" refers to a commercial service that specializes in dry cleaning, a process that cleans delicate fabrics without immersing them in water.

Usage

• The term "dry cleaners" is used to refer to the physical location or business itself. It is typically treated as a singular noun when referring to the establishment (e.g., "The dry cleaners is on Main Street") but can also be used plurally to refer to multiple such shops.
• It is commonly preceded by the definite article "the" (e.g., "I need to go to the dry cleaners").

Examples

• Noun:
  • I dropped off my suit at the dry cleaners yesterday.
  • This dry cleaners offers a 24-hour service.
  • There are three dry cleaners in our neighborhood.

Advanced Usage

• "at the dry cleaners": used to indicate the location where an item is currently being processed.
  • My coat is still at the dry cleaners.
• Possessive form: While less common, it can be used to indicate ownership or association.
  • The dry cleaners' prices have increased this year.

Variants and Related Words

• Dry cleaner (noun): Can refer to the establishment (synonymous with "dry cleaners") or, less commonly, to a person who owns or operates such a business.
  • He is a dry cleaner. (referring to the person)
  • I own a dry cleaner on 5th Avenue. (referring to the shop)
• Dry cleaning (noun): The process or service itself.
  • This sweater requires dry cleaning.

Synonyms

• Cleaners: A common shortened, informal synonym.
  • I'm going to the cleaners to pick up my shirts.
• Laundry: While "laundry" more broadly refers to washing with water, it is sometimes used informally to include establishments that offer both washing and dry cleaning services.

Related Phrases

• Drop off/pick up at the dry cleaners: Standard phrases for the actions of taking clothes to and collecting them from the service.
  • Can you drop this off at the dry cleaners on your way to work?
  • I will pick up the order from the dry cleaners tomorrow.

Noun

1. shop where dry cleaning is done