hygiene

noun hy·giene \ ˈhī-ˌjēn also hī-ˈjēn \

Updated on: 16 Apr 2018

Definition of hygiene

1 : a science of the establishment and maintenance of health

2 : conditions or practices (as of cleanliness) conducive to health

has poor personal hygiene

Brushing your teeth regularly is an important part of good oral hygiene.

—

hygienist

play \hī-ˈjē-nist, ˈhī-ˌjē-, hī-ˈje-\ noun

See hygiene defined for English-language learners

See hygiene defined for kids

Examples of hygiene in a Sentence

Poor sanitation and hygiene caused many of the soldiers to get sick.
He has very poor personal hygiene.
Brushing your teeth regularly is an important part of good dental hygiene.

Recent Examples of hygiene from the Web

Now, Al-Shwaf said, passersby can use the box as a stop for nonperishable food items, hygiene products and sometimes even clothing items.

— aleanna siacon, Detroit Free Press, "Midtown Detroit blessing box: Take what you need, leave what you can," 8 Apr. 2018
The Federal Bureau of Prisons in August issued a memo mandating that feminine hygiene products be available to all female inmates in federal institutions at no cost.

— NBC News, "#MeToo helps shine light on access to feminine hygiene products in prison," 28 Mar. 2018
May Alimboyoguen taught in CCC's dental hygiene program since 2003, most recently serving as director of the program at Malcolm X College.

— alex nitkin, chicagotribune.com, "Two from Chicago city colleges picked for leadership positions with Oakton Community College," 26 Mar. 2018
So following good hand hygiene (and trying to avoid touching your mouth or eyes with your hands) is still important.

— korin miller, SELF, "Is It Too Late to Get a Flu Shot? Because the Flu Season Isn't Over Yet," 29 Mar. 2018
The Federal Bureau of Prisons in August issued a memo mandating that feminine hygiene products be available to all female inmates in federal institutions at no cost.

— brian witte, The Christian Science Monitor, "#MeToo helps shine a light on lack of feminine hygiene products in prison," 27 Mar. 2018
Sneeze into your elbow, use good hand hygiene, and turn on your air vent.

— nicholas bakalar, New York Times, "How Not to Get Sick on a Plane? Choose Your Seat Wisely," 22 Mar. 2018
Good oral hygiene should be practiced year-long and stressed in the household.

— michael suchar, Philly.com, "3 tips from a dentist to keep Valentine's Day sweet for kids' teeth," 13 Feb. 2018
Practicing good hand hygiene and avoiding contact with those with colds can keep most people in the clear.

— craig hlavaty, Houston Chronicle, "Is it just a cold or do you have the flu? Experts note the differences," 12 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'hygiene.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of hygiene

French hygiène & New Latin hygieina, from Greek, neuter plural of hygieinos healthful, from hygiēs healthy; akin to Sanskrit su well and to Latin vivus living — more at ¹quick

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1671

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year