hygiene

noun

hy·​giene ˈhī-ˌjēn 

 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

hī-ˈjē-nist 

ˈhī-ˌjē-

hī-ˈje- 

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

Heroes for Humanity, launched in 2021 with a catalytic gift from SP Hinduja Bank Privée, hires and trains trusted local residents to deliver screenings, run help desks, lead health and hygiene sessions, and coach neighbors into livelihood pathways. —Afdhel Aziz, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025

California cities would not be able to prevent people from handing out food, blankets, hygiene products and other resources to homeless people under a bill passed by the legislature last week, days before the body adjourned for the year. —Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 15 Sep. 2025

Swimming in the canals is prohibited for reasons of safety, public hygiene and to preserve the city's landscape. —Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 15 Sep. 2025

Most thrift stores won't accept them due to concerns about bedbugs, allergens, and general hygiene. —Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Sep. 2025

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

Phrases Containing hygiene

• feminine hygiene

Rhymes for hygiene

• agin
• alkene
• allene
• ameen
• amin
• amine
• arene
• athene
• baleen
• beeline
• benzene
• between

Kids Definition

hygiene

noun

hy·​giene ˈhī-ˌjēn 

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