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 manager then called their sanitation person to dispose of the critter. —Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 27 Nov. 2025

The first cohort, which started in 2022 and wrapped last year, focused on trying to improve sanitation and access to clean water. —Angelica Ang, Fortune, 27 Nov. 2025

Explosives can destroy buildings, generating debris and releasing hazardous materials like asbestos, while damaging water supplies and sanitation facilities. —Simmone Shah, Time, 20 Nov. 2025

Setting up a sanitation system would require a huge investment in infrastructure, especially in poor communities where funds are limited. —NPR, 19 Nov. 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