hygiene

noun

hy·​giene ˈhī-ˌjēn 

 also  hī-ˈjēn

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

hygienist

hī-ˈjē-nist 

ˈhī-ˌjē-

hī-ˈje- 

noun

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

Step one: catch them Cicadas can typically be found in woody places, such as near trees and shrubs—though for hygiene reasons, experts warn against collecting cicadas for food in locations that may have pesticide or litter. —Koh Ewe, TIME, 19 Apr. 2024

Who Should Consider Taking an Immune-Supporting Supplement A healthy lifestyle, including eating a well-balanced diet, managing stress, getting adequate sleep, and regularly moving your body, paired with proper hygiene such as handwashing, is the best line of defense for cold and flu season. —Sarah Anzlovar, Ms, Verywell Health, 19 Apr. 2024

For the sake of our hair health and overall hygiene, knowing how to clean hair brushes is a crucial part of any healthy hair regimen. —Audrey Noble, Vogue, 5 Apr. 2024

Standing water can also cause mold or mildew, which compromise food hygiene and safety. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024

There is some evidence that animals enjoy the crunch of dry food and that chewing can improve dental hygiene. —Joan Morris, The Mercury News, 1 Apr. 2024

New hospitals were built and non-governmental organizations and foreign donors like the U.S. Agency for International Development invested in preventing maternal and child deaths, improving low vaccination rates and increasing access to hygiene and sanitation. —Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2024

There’s very little hygiene to protect the farmers that are milking. —Helen Branswell, STAT, 5 Apr. 2024

What is Steel Bite Pro? Steel Bite Pro is an organic dietary supplement designed for dental and oral hygiene support. —Michael Carroll, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French hygiène & New Latin hygieina, from Greek, neuter plural of hygieinos healthful, from hygiēs healthy; akin to Sanskrit su well and to Latin vivus living — more at quick entry 1

First Known Use

1671, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing hygiene

• feminine hygiene

Kids 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

Medical Definition

hygiene

noun

hy·​giene

ˈhī-ˌjēn also hī-ˈ

1

: a science of the establishment and maintenance of health see industrial hygiene, mental hygiene

2

: conditions or practices (as of cleanliness) conducive to health