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

The quaternary ammonium sanitation buckets at 71 degrees, 200 ppm. — Arkansas Online, 12 Oct. 2026

The facility went through multiple hot water outages in 2024, which caught the attention of town officials because of its impact on kitchen sanitation. — Kristina Rex, CBS News, 12 Oct. 2026

Mecklenburg County sanitation scores The Mecklenburg County sanitation grades database shows that at least 493 restaurants were inspected in September. — Eva Flowe october 12, Charlotte Observer, 12 Oct. 2026

Builders describe private bedrooms, running water and sanitation, independent energy and amenities like meditation rooms, movie theaters, gyms and spas. — Megan Buerger, Washington Post, 9 Oct. 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