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

Its water and sanitation systems have stopped functioning, and sewage has become backed up into the streets. —Kara Fox, CNN Money, 19 Oct. 2025

Finland was a standout in happiness and water and sanitation, taking the top spot in both categories. —Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 17 Oct. 2025

Inspectors observed an employee skipping the sanitation step during manual warewashing of dishes. —Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 17 Oct. 2025

The chlorine sanitation solution measured zero parts per million. —David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 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