sanitation

noun

san·​i·​ta·​tion ˌsa-nə-ˈtā-shən 

1

: the act or process of making sanitary

2

: the promotion of hygiene and prevention of disease by maintenance of sanitary conditions (as by removal of sewage and trash)

—often used before another noun

a sanitation truck

sanitation workers

Examples of sanitation in a Sentence

Diseases can spread from poor sanitation.

Recent Examples on the Web

One of the immediate concerns is sanitation. — Fernando Narro Roman, NPR, 28 June 2026

In the coming hours and days, safe water and sanitation and essential household items are expected to become priorities. — Will Clark, NBC news, 26 June 2026

Onboard a charter yacht, the chef is responsible not only for fine dining service but also provisioning, inventory management, accounting, crew meals, dietary accommodations, sanitation, and menu development — often entirely alone. — Amber Love Bond, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026

Rather than relying solely on poison, the researchers recommend combining multiple control methods, including sealing entry points, improving sanitation, removing food sources and using traps. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sanitation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

sanitation

noun

san·​i·​ta·​tion ˌsan-ə-ˈtā-shən 

1

: the act or process of making sanitary

2

: the promotion of community hygiene and disease prevention especially by keeping up sewage systems, by collecting and disposing of trash and garbage, and by cleaning streets

Medical Definition

sanitation

noun

san·​i·​ta·​tion ˌsan-ə-ˈtā-shən 

1

: the act or process of making sanitary

2

: the promotion of hygiene and prevention of disease by maintenance of sanitary conditions

mouth sanitation