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

The African National Congress’ 2026 local government elections manifesto pledges free basic services to nearly 30 million people — water, electricity, sanitation, garbage removal. — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 24 Aug. 2026

New York City sanitation workers say their job has been pricklier than usual after the Department of Sanitation reported an increase in needle stick injuries. — Noelle Lilley, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026

In 2019, 25 sanitation workers were injured by needles on the job. — Amethyst Martinez, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026

Expenses for the fest were formidable — the beachside main event required fencing, flooring, stage builds, environmental mitigation, sanitation and more on a stretch of sand that had never hosted a comparable event. — Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 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