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

Once Nguirane gets his legal permit, Gueye hopes he can be hired for sanitation work at the hospital while still helping to take care of the children. —Marta Campabadal Graus, NBC news, 30 May 2026

Proper sanitation is key to preventing pests and diseases. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 30 May 2026

The Charlotte Observer reports restaurant sanitation scores lower than an A, and updates the public when B and C grade restaurants are graded again. —Charlotte Observer, 29 May 2026

She was previously married to sanitation worker Chris Larangeira, but the couple divorced in 2022. —Adam England, PEOPLE, 29 May 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