sanitary

adjective

san·​i·​tary ˈsa-nə-ˌter-ē How to pronounce sanitary (audio)
Synonyms of sanitarynext
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 adverb

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
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.
For livestock, this would include potable water, sanitary living conditions and access to a windbreak such as a building or tree line. Paula Wethington, CBS News, 6 Mar. 2026 Results showed 80% of respondents voted no, citing both sanitary and ethical concerns. Reia Li, AZCentral.com, 5 Mar. 2026 However, there are some important steps to take to make sure that the laundry is sanitary. Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 21 Feb. 2026 Typical customers served by sanitary wastewater systems using 3,500 gallons of water would see an increase of about $28 per month, the release said. Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sanitary

Word History

Etymology

French sanitaire, from Latin sanitas

First Known Use

1816, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sanitary was in 1816

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sanitary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sanitary. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

sanitary

adjective
san·​i·​tary ˈsan-ə-ˌter-ē How to pronounce sanitary (audio)
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 How to pronounce sanitary (audio)
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 adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on sanitary

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