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

Hospitals have to follow strict guidelines to ensure cleanliness and reduce risk of infections and illness for patients, staff and visitors. —Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2025

Other rankings focused on accessibility, cleanliness, facilities, and more. —Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 25 Sep. 2025

One of my top priorities for my skin and scalp care is the simplicity of hygiene and cleanliness. —Essence, 24 Sep. 2025

And cleanliness does not negate an active infestation. —Katie Nixon, Nashville Tennessean, 23 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cleanliness

• cleanliness is next to godliness