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, sleep 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

Made from extra-durable, knife-friendly material, each board resists moisture, supports hygiene, and stands up to daily wear. —Tory Johnson, ABC News, 9 Apr. 2026

Chicago area Hooters locations collected 72 purses to fill with essential hygiene items in a donation drive in support of women in need and domestic violence survivors. —Adam Harrington, CBS News, 6 Apr. 2026

This won’t replace good sleep hygiene or fix a serious sleep disorder. —Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 6 Apr. 2026

Obviously not—besides the questionable hygiene practice, wearing the same thing day in and day out is uninspired and oftentimes inappropriate for the situation at hand. —Elizabeth Gulino, Allure, 6 Apr. 2026

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

1799, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing hygiene

• feminine hygiene
• sleep 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