hygiene

noun

hy·​giene ˈhī-ˌjēn How to pronounce hygiene (audio)
 also  hī-ˈjēn
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.
see also feminine hygiene
hygienist noun

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 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.
Instead, hiring an appropriate wet nurse with both cleanliness of hygiene and character was the norm. Alexandra Bregman, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025 Get help: Practice good sleep hygiene, and if problems continue, consult a healthcare provider. Emily Brown, Verywell Health, 30 June 2025 But here’s the facts: personal hygiene is personal, but one’s personal hygiene practices impact those around them. R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2025 The restaurant was closed for multiple violations, including failing to maintain proper food holding temperatures, poor employee hygiene and improper storage of food products, city officials said. Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for hygiene

Word History

Etymology

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 quick entry 1

First Known Use

1671, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hygiene was in 1671

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hygiene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hygiene. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

hygiene

noun
hy·​giene ˈhī-ˌjēn How to pronounce hygiene (audio)
1
: a science that deals with the bringing about and keeping up of good health in individuals and groups
2
: conditions or practices (as of cleanliness) that are aids to good health

Medical Definition

hygiene

noun
hy·​giene
ˈhī-ˌjēn also hī-ˈ
1
: a science of the establishment and maintenance of health see industrial hygiene, mental hygiene
2
: conditions or practices (as of cleanliness) conducive to health

More from Merriam-Webster on hygiene

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