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

Raw Farm is in good standing, according to the Department of Food and Agriculture, consistently meeting standards for sanitation and cow health. —CNN Money, 14 June 2026

Unrestricted access to spare parts, water pipes, fuel, water treatment chemicals, and generators for wells and desalination plants is needed to fix systems, save money and help even more children reach safe water and sanitation. —Sarah Ferguson, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026

The News & Observer previously covered the methodology of sanitation scores. —Eva Flowe june 12, Charlotte Observer, 12 June 2026

The situation is sometimes worse in Borno, both in Maiduguri, the state's capital, which is densely populated, and in remote communities with poor sanitation and hygiene due in part to being out of the close reach of health authorities. —ABC News, 9 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