sanitation

noun

san·​i·​ta·​tion ˌsa-nə-ˈtā-shən 

1

: the act or process of making sanitary

2

: the promotion of hygiene and prevention of disease by maintenance of sanitary conditions (as by removal of sewage and trash)

—often used before another noun

a sanitation truck

sanitation workers

Examples of sanitation in a Sentence

Diseases can spread from poor sanitation.

Recent Examples on the Web

Nazarian's office is now working with the sanitation department to begin the legal cleanup process and to bill the property owner. —Rina Nakano, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026

Historically, many agricultural improvements, from better sanitation systems to more humane livestock housing, emerge because regulatory pressure creates innovation incentives. —John Cleveland, Boston Herald, 7 Apr. 2026

Authorities plan to assess basic living conditions by gathering data on housing materials, homeownership status, and access to essential amenities like clean drinking water, sanitation and cooking fuel. —Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 7 Apr. 2026

The sewer label was initially a disparaging remark from a Socialist leader, who thought figures like Hoan were overly practical, boasting about their sanitation systems instead of political theory. —Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 1 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sanitation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

sanitation

noun

san·​i·​ta·​tion ˌsan-ə-ˈtā-shən 

1

: the act or process of making sanitary

2

: the promotion of community hygiene and disease prevention especially by keeping up sewage systems, by collecting and disposing of trash and garbage, and by cleaning streets

Medical Definition

sanitation

noun

san·​i·​ta·​tion ˌsan-ə-ˈtā-shən 

1

: the act or process of making sanitary

2

: the promotion of hygiene and prevention of disease by maintenance of sanitary conditions

mouth sanitation