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

For many, survival hinges on the speed of aid as clean water, sanitation and shelter top the list of urgent priorities. —CBS News, 6 Dec. 2025

No sanitizer was detected in the sanitation bin. —Sacbee.com, 5 Dec. 2025

Inspectors noted issues with cold holding temperatures, unsanitary food contact surfaces and sanitation deficiencies such as the absence of hand soap, city officials said. —Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Dec. 2025

Rapid urbanization can strain water and sanitation systems, increase flood and heat risks, and drive the growth of informal settlements. —Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2025

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