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

Experts have long warned that inadequate shelter provision leads to crowded conditions and a lack of sanitation and privacy for people forced to leave their homes following disasters. — ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026

Other factors contribute to early birth, such as the extreme heat and poor sanitation. — Diaa Hadid, NPR, 2 Aug. 2026

Billions of dollars currently set aside to fund things like public safety, public hospitals, EMTs, libraries, road maintenance, children’s services, sanitation, parks and recreation, and disaster preparedness will take a hit. — Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Aug. 2026

Violations included sanitation and physical deficiencies, pest control problems, and food stored at improper temperatures. — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 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