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

Whipworm infection occurs most often in children and is more common in hot, humid climates and areas with poor sanitation and hygiene. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 19 Dec. 2025

In response, cities expanded sewer networks and installed municipal water filtration systems, treating sanitation as a public responsibility rather than a private household matter. —Time, 19 Dec. 2025

Inspectors may also cite core violations, which typically involve sanitation, cleanliness or maintenance issues and generally pose a lower immediate risk to public health. —Rey Covarrubias Jr, AZCentral.com, 18 Dec. 2025

In Karachi, Pakistan—a major textile production hub—a water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) project at a local school dramatically improved daily life. —Céline Van De Loo, Sourcing Journal, 16 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