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

Careful food and beverage choices can help lower the risk of gastrointestinal illness, the CDC says, although the choices cannot eliminate it completely because restaurant hygiene and local sanitation are often beyond a traveler's control. — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 19 July 2026

Particulate matter in the air is causing concern for all people, not just those in sensitive groups, and the city has paused sanitation collection and closed pools and spraygrounds out of caution. — Kaitlyn McCormick, USA Today, 17 July 2026

The order mandates clean drinking water around the clock, nutritious meals and daily sanitation, plus overhauled medical care, disability accommodations and independent monitors overseeing compliance. — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 17 July 2026

It should also be measured by whether teachers, nurses, sanitation workers, retirees, and families who have lived in a neighborhood for generations can still afford to call that neighborhood home. — Jeffrey Bennett, Time, 17 July 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