hoover
This page is about the eponym hoover
Meaning
a vacuum cleaner; a machine for cleaning house and car interiors; also a verb
For example
- I'll get the hoover and give the inside of this car a good cleaning.
- If you drop some powder on the carpet, just hoover it up before you go please.
Origin: William Henry Hoover (1849-1932) was an American businessman who in 1908 founded The Hoover Company, making vacuum cleaners. The business expanded to Europe, where "hoover" became synonymous with vacuums and vacuuming.
Variety
This is typically used in British English but may be used in other varieties of English too.
Contributor: Tara Benwell