sanitary

adjective

san·​i·​tary ˈsa-nə-ˌter-ē 

1

: of or relating to health

sanitary measures

2

: of, relating to, or used in the disposal especially of domestic waterborne waste

a sanitary sewer system

3

: characterized by or readily kept in cleanliness

sanitary packages

sanitarily

ˌsa-nə-ˈter-ə-lē 

adverb

Synonyms of sanitary

• sterile
• hygienic

Examples of sanitary in a Sentence

the nurse made sure that everything in the room was sanitary so that the baby wouldn't get sick

Recent Examples on the Web

As the war raged on, this makeshift countermeasure was replaced by more sanitary and effective innovations, including gauze pads soaked in hyposulfite solution, flannel hoods, tube helmets, and box respirators. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Aug. 2026

Here’s what our pros recommend for dusting your bedroom to keep it sanitary and easy to breathe in. — Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 18 Aug. 2026

The novel touches on how the lack of personal toiletries, such as sanitary pads, hygiene products, detergents, and shampoo impacts women in particular. — Literary Hub, 14 Aug. 2026

The company said the building will be fixed to safe and sanitary conditions in 60 days. — Andy Sheehan, CBS News, 29 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

French sanitaire, from Latin sanitas

First Known Use

1816, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing sanitary

• sanitary facilities
• sanitary landfill
• sanitary napkin
• sanitary pad
• sanitary ware

Rhymes for sanitary

• accessary
• adversary
• ancillary
• apiary
• arbitrary
• aviary
• axillary
• bacillary
• beriberi
• bestiary
• breviary
• budgetary

Kids Definition

sanitary

adjective

san·​i·​tary ˈsan-ə-ˌter-ē 

1

: of or relating to health : hygienic

sanitary laws

2

: free from filth, infection, or dangers to health

Medical Definition

sanitary

adjective

san·​i·​tary ˈsan-ə-ˌter-ē 

1

: of or relating to health

sanitary measures

2

: of, relating to, or used in the disposal especially of domestic waterborne waste

sanitary sewage

3

: characterized by or readily kept in cleanliness

sanitary food handling

sanitarily

ˌsan-ə-ˈter-ə-lē 

adverb