cleanliness

noun

clean·​li·​ness ˈklen-lē-nəs 

: the quality or state of being clean : the practice of keeping oneself or one's surroundings clean

Though a stale remark, it can hardly be said too often, that personal cleanliness is one of the necessary agents to health …

—Walt Whitman

The Romans spent hours at their elaborate bathhouse complexes, but not everyone equated cleanliness with virtue …

—Sara Ivry

This cleanliness is necessary to ensure that no dust or particles end up on the silicon surface during the processing of the chip.

—Robert J. Cone

Examples of cleanliness in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The goal of the project was to program a robotic dog equipped to inspect short-term rental properties for cleanliness and maintenance issues. —Jenelyn Russo, Oc Register, 9 June 2026

Last season, Tyler Guyton allowed 31 quarterback pressures in just 10 games, and lowering that number will be crucial in lowering Prescott’s overall cleanliness in the pocket after being pressured the sixth-most of any quarterback last season. —Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 June 2026

Here are a few everyday tasks that almost always take less than 60 seconds to complete, but can have a big impact on the cleanliness and feel of your space. —Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 2 June 2026

From Riviera Maya to Los Cabos, these beaches in Mexico stand out for cleanliness, safety, and sustainability. —Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 2 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cleanliness

• cleanliness is next to godliness