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

An autopsy showed the baby inhaled and swallowed the sanitation liquid used in the portable toilet, according to investigators. —Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 16 Feb. 2026

At the 39th African Union Summit being held in Ethiopia’s capital of Addis Ababa on Saturday and Sunday, the theme is water and sanitation. —ABC News, 13 Feb. 2026

Ard’s city could still enforce sanitation requirements already in code. —Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 10 Feb. 2026

When sanitation worker Ronald Silver II died after collapsing in the heat along his route in 2024, investigations by the city's inspector general revealed retaliation against those who complained along with a lack of training and work safeguards. —Mike Hellgren, CBS News, 9 Feb. 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