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 attributively

a sanitation truck

sanitation workers

Example Sentences

Diseases can spread from poor sanitation.

Recent Examples on the Web

The company, Packer Sanitation Services, is described by the Labor Department as one of America’s leading providers of food safety sanitation. Chris Isidore, CNN, 15 Nov. 2022

One of the country’s largest providers of food safety sanitation illegally employed dozens of children at several Midwestern meatpacking facilities, the Labor Department says. Lauren Kaori Gurley, Washington Post, 11 Nov. 2022

Poor waste management, lack of sanitation, and irrigation all create opportunities for the insects to thrive. Monika Mondal, WIRED, 15 Oct. 2022

Featured were the city’s police and fire departments as well as Port Authority Police and departments of sanitation and correction. Chron, 11 Sep. 2022

The Sutro baths at San Francisco may be larger, but there are features of Mr. Babcock’s baths which excel them in scientific arrangement of sanitation, as well as convenience. San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Aug. 2022

The organization also provides a nine-month program to villages with in-depth training and education on the necessities of sanitation and hygiene. Joe Noga, cleveland, 31 Mar. 2022

Adams has pledged to solve the city’s sanitation issues and said in June that part of the more than $100 billion budget this year will be allocated to clean up public spaces. Christian Richey, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2022

In Haiti, violent tensions following last year’s presidential assassination have led to a collapse of essential services including garbage disposal and sanitation issues. Annalisa Merelli, Quartz, 17 Oct. 2022

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Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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