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 sewer label was initially a disparaging remark from a Socialist leader, who thought figures like Hoan were overly practical, boasting about their sanitation systems instead of political theory. —Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 1 Apr. 2026

Recent layoffs of government sanitation workers have contributed to the mounting garbage. —Thomas E. Franklin, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026

This means the hair boasts 80% cuticle alignment, maintains its sumptuous, silky texture after 20+ washes, and undergoes only minimal, delicate acid-washing for sanitation without compromising its integrity. —Noel Cymone Walker, StyleCaster, 1 Apr. 2026

Food production, sanitation services, water purification, healthcare services, and more would be greatly diminished, if not stopped entirely. —Connor Okeeffe, Oc Register, 29 Mar. 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