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 women at the convening came away determined to reverse course and work to get clean water and sanitation into every home in Southwestern tribal communities, whether through government or nonprofit action. —Debra Utacia Krol, AZCentral.com, 14 Dec. 2025

Johnson has regularly cast doubt on the usefulness of vaccines, telling reporters earlier this year that many childhood illnesses, such as the measles, can be eradicated through better hygiene and sanitation instead. —Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 13 Dec. 2025

Beyond public schools, property taxes support the full range of public services, such as police, fire, libraries, parks, roads, community colleges, health and sanitation departments, and many others. —Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 12 Dec. 2025

Risk for contamination is high when food is prepared without adequate sanitation or when drinking water isn't clean. —Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 11 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