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

Recurring outbreaks were common in places where sanitation was poor, historians confirm. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026

Aid agencies warn that access to safe drinking water, sanitation, medical care, shelter and psychological support continues to rank among the country’s most urgent needs. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 4 July 2026

Steisel was sanitation commissioner under Mayor Ed Koch and first deputy mayor under Mayor David Dinkins. — Norman Steisel, New York Daily News, 29 June 2026

Also, enterprise departments, including Dallas water utilities, aviation, convention and event services and sanitation will not be required to take furlough days. — Briauna Brown, CBS News, 30 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