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

This is coupled with good hand hygiene, including washing hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds, or using hand sanitizer when hand washing isn't available. —Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 22 Nov. 2023

As the chief hygiene officer at Pro Housekeepers, Jennifer Rodriguez is no stranger to cleaning. —Kelsey Mulvey, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Nov. 2023

Experts say maintaining hand hygiene is more important than disinfecting surfaces. —Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 20 Nov. 2023

There are rumors of what happens to women whose period hygiene isn’t up to par. —Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Nov. 2023

The State of the Period continues to be the only publicly available study tracking the impact of period poverty — the inability to access menstrual hygiene products — among American teenage students. —Dominique Fluker, Essence, 8 Nov. 2023

The charitable organization recently passed out hundreds of care packages in Chicago that contained gift cards, hygiene products and diapers to migrants. —Pilar Arias, Fox News, 30 Oct. 2023

Starting at just $25, big names in oral hygiene like Oral-B, Philips Sonicare, Waterpik, and more are offering early Black Friday deals on electric toothbrushes at Amazon—up to a major 62% off. —Natalie Rahhal, Health, 6 Nov. 2023

Limiting screen time and seeking therapy can improve sleep hygiene. —Dr. Avish Jain, ABC News, 3 Nov. 2023

See More

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

• feminine hygiene

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