sanitary

adjective

san·​i·​tary ˈsa-nə-ˌter-ē 

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

ˌsa-nə-ˈter-ə-lē 

adverb

Synonyms of sanitary

• sterile
• hygienic

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

It is treated similar to sanitary waste. — Aman Kumar, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 May 2026

After all, there are so many basic areas to wipe down weekly just to keep your home organized and sanitary from the week's use. — Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 7 June 2026

Along with keeping things sanitary, regularly washing the soft goods in your bathroom can also keep the laundry scent in the air fresh and inviting. — Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 31 May 2026

Heavy bleeding is characterized as bleeding that lasts longer than seven days per cycle or needing to change a sanitary product nearly every hour. — Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 12 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

French sanitaire, from Latin sanitas

First Known Use

1816, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing sanitary

• sanitary facilities
• sanitary landfill
• sanitary napkin
• sanitary pad
• sanitary ware

Rhymes for sanitary

• accessary
• adversary
• ancillary
• apiary
• arbitrary
• aviary
• axillary
• bacillary
• beriberi
• bestiary
• breviary
• budgetary

Kids Definition

sanitary

adjective

san·​i·​tary ˈsan-ə-ˌter-ē 

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 

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

ˌsan-ə-ˈter-ə-lē 

adverb