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

Democratic lawmakers are calling on the Pentagon to investigate shortages of food, poor sanitation and a lack of mental healthcare on board the USS Abraham Lincoln. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 14 Aug. 2026

Keeping grout clean is key to preventing sanitation and hygiene problems in the future. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 14 Aug. 2026

Schools lack basic infrastructure such as water, sanitation or heating, while natural disasters have also led to hundreds of school closures. — ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026

Joining the bank would make Iran eligible to seek financing for projects in areas such as transport, sanitation, digital infrastructure and urban development. — Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 13 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