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

Their members vary from lawyers to sanitation workers to construction workers to health care professionals. —Elizabeth Beyer, USA TODAY, 16 July 2024

The manager will run the day-to-day operations of the government, from public safety to sanitation, and work closely with commissioners to execute their policies. —Martin Vassolo, Axios, 11 July 2024

Access to sanitation and clean water improved dramatically. —Mark Suzman, Foreign Affairs, 11 July 2024

Later that morning, sanitation workers at a Canton park found a body believed to be Sheridan, according to deputies. —Kate Linderman, Kansas City Star, 9 July 2024

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