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

Practice good garden sanitation by removing infected plant materials, including plant roots and fallen fruits or foliage. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 21 June 2026

Some 650 sanitation workers were assigned to clean up what could be tens of thousands of pounds of debris, if recent history is any guide. —Anthony Izaguirre, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2026

With a 40% discount, this deal allows pet owners and busy families to install an elite, hands-free sanitation system in their homes without spending a fortune. —Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 19 June 2026

Before the Knicks took part in the parade, several fans climbed on top of police cars, while others gathered on top of a sanitation truck and building awnings. —Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 18 June 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