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
Examples of sanitation in a Sentence
Diseases can spread from poor sanitation.
Recent Examples on the Web
Unlicensed barbers and cosmetologists still have to first receive education about the laws, rules, and sanitation practices of the occupation.
—
Andrew Wimer, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
Refugee assistance The Trump administration is looking to cancel $800 million, or a quarter of the amount Congress approved, for a program that provides emergency shelter, water and sanitation, and family reunification for those forced to flee their own country.
—Kevin Freking, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2025
Upon arrival, crews were met by a sanitation worker who had earlier dialed 911 and confirmed a person was trapped.
—David Chiu, People.com, 9 June 2025
Food vendors sizzled meats at vendor stalls and kept juices in massive, unlabeled canisters under the gritty subway underpass – devoid of any labels or apparent sanitation or health and safety standards.
—Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for sanitation
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show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Andrew Wimer, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
Refugee assistance The Trump administration is looking to cancel $800 million, or a quarter of the amount Congress approved, for a program that provides emergency shelter, water and sanitation, and family reunification for those forced to flee their own country.
—Kevin Freking, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2025
Upon arrival, crews were met by a sanitation worker who had earlier dialed 911 and confirmed a person was trapped.
—David Chiu, People.com, 9 June 2025
Food vendors sizzled meats at vendor stalls and kept juices in massive, unlabeled canisters under the gritty subway underpass – devoid of any labels or apparent sanitation or health and safety standards.
—Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for sanitation
Cite this Entry
“Sanitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sanitation. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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