sanitary

adjective

san·​i·​tary ˈsa-nə-ˌter-ē How to pronounce sanitary (audio)
1
: of or relating to health
sanitary measures
2
: of, relating to, or used in the disposal especially of domestic waterborne waste
a sanitary sewer system
3
: characterized by or readily kept in cleanliness
sanitary packages
sanitarily adverb

Examples of sanitary in a Sentence

the nurse made sure that everything in the room was sanitary so that the baby wouldn't get sick
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Airplane seatback pockets are one of the least sanitary places on a plane, but skipping them also means leaving yourself with limited storage space—until now. Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 20 July 2025 In addition to Narcan, the machines also have socks, hand sanitizer, wipes and other sanitary items. Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2025 The spread of the New World screwworm, a parasite that Mexico and the United States had eradicated decades ago, activated sanitary alarms and protection protocols in Mexico and the United States since late last year. Clara Migoya, AZCentral.com, 16 July 2025 Schrader suggests wiping down cabinetry knobs or pulls, light switches, and doorknobs at least once a month to make your home more sanitary. Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for sanitary

Word History

Etymology

French sanitaire, from Latin sanitas

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sanitary was in 1838

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sanitary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sanitary. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

sanitary

adjective
san·​i·​tary ˈsan-ə-ˌter-ē How to pronounce sanitary (audio)
1
: of or relating to health : hygienic
sanitary laws
2
: free from filth, infection, or dangers to health

Medical Definition

sanitary

adjective
san·​i·​tary ˈsan-ə-ˌter-ē How to pronounce sanitary (audio)
1
: of or relating to health
sanitary measures
2
: of, relating to, or used in the disposal especially of domestic waterborne waste
sanitary sewage
3
: characterized by or readily kept in cleanliness
sanitary food handling
sanitarily adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on sanitary

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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