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 City of Dilley Water Department conducts monthly independent tests on DIPC's water supply to verify its safety and cleanliness for drinking. —Jim Axelrod, CBS News, 31 May 2026

The categories are safety, cleanliness and frequency and reliability of service, Hahn said. —City News Service, Daily News, 29 May 2026

Public safety and cleanliness must be visibly improved through outreach, maintenance, and community policing so residents and visitors feel comfortable downtown. —Mercury News Editorial Board, Mercury News, 29 May 2026

But location matters as much as cleanliness. —Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 28 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cleanliness

• cleanliness is next to godliness