cleanliness

noun

clean·​li·​ness ˈklen-lē-nəs How to pronounce cleanliness (audio)
Synonyms of cleanlinessnext
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Wipe down surfaces and clean crumbs to maintain cleanliness and prevent pests. Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Jan. 2026 There are important considerations, including cleanliness, allergies, and the well-being of the animals themselves. Itay Hod, CBS News, 20 Jan. 2026 The experiment was also carried out in ultra-high vacuum, helping preserve the cleanliness of the graphene surface and ensuring reliable results. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 20 Jan. 2026 Yet curtains often go neglected during regular housekeeping, even though their cleanliness has a major impact on air quality, allergies, and even the smell in your home. Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 19 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cleanliness

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cleanliness was in the 15th century

Cite this Entry

“Cleanliness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cleanliness. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.

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