1
: a science of the establishment and maintenance of health
2
: conditions or practices (as of cleanliness) conducive to health
has poor personal hygiene
Brushing your teeth regularly is an important part of good oral hygiene.
see also feminine hygiene, sleep hygiene
Examples of hygiene in a Sentence
Poor sanitation and hygiene caused many of the soldiers to get sick.
He has very poor personal hygiene.
Brushing your teeth regularly is an important part of good dental hygiene.
Recent Examples on the Web
The release said that individuals not experiencing symptoms should continue to monitor for any that arise, as well as practice good hand hygiene and safe food handling practices.
—
Chiara Kim, PEOPLE, 15 Apr. 2026
The term refers to the process of maximizing one's physical appearance through hygiene, fitness and style − sometimes to a dangerous degree.
—Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026
Organizers said the two previous Picasso raffles raised a total of more than 10 million euros for cultural work in Lebanon and water and hygiene programs in Africa.
—CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026
Cuomo and other employees were concerned by Fahim’s bizarre and erratic behavior — along with his poor personal hygiene — and unsuccessfully tried to get the leaders of the firm to fire him.
—Sean Emery, Oc Register, 14 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hygiene
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Chiara Kim, PEOPLE, 15 Apr. 2026
The term refers to the process of maximizing one's physical appearance through hygiene, fitness and style − sometimes to a dangerous degree.
—Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026
Organizers said the two previous Picasso raffles raised a total of more than 10 million euros for cultural work in Lebanon and water and hygiene programs in Africa.
—CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026
Cuomo and other employees were concerned by Fahim’s bizarre and erratic behavior — along with his poor personal hygiene — and unsuccessfully tried to get the leaders of the firm to fire him.
—Sean Emery, Oc Register, 14 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hygiene
Cite this Entry
“Hygiene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hygiene. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
hygiene
noun
hy·giene
ˈhī-ˌjēn 
1
: a science that deals with the bringing about and keeping up of good health in individuals and groups
2
: conditions or practices (as of cleanliness) that are aids to good health
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