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

These parasites reveal what sanitation, disease burden, and population health were really like in this region of the Roman Empire, known for its ingenuity and innovation, but sometimes, public health might not be up to par. —Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 19 Apr. 2026

He’d been struck that the Milwaukee branch of the adherents to his cause were forever boasting about their superior sanitation systems. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 19 Apr. 2026

Detainees also must have consistent access to food, clean drinking water, sanitation, medical care and communication with attorneys and family members. —Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2026

City sanitation workers begin cleaning up the North Hollywood property. —Julie Sharp, CBS News, 16 Apr. 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