sanitizer
noun
san·i·tiz·er
ˈsa-nə-ˌtī-zər 
plural sanitizers
: a substance or product that is used to reduce or eliminate pathogenic agents (such as bacteria) on surfaces
Sales of alcohol-based hand sanitizers were up nearly 17% as of the first week of September compared to the same period last year …—
Laura Landro
Laura Landro"Carvacrol could potentially be used as a food sanitizer … particularly in conjunction with other antimicrobials," says Kelly Bright, associate research scientist in the department of soil, water, and environmental science at the University of Arizona.—Daniel Stolt
Daniel Stolt
also
: a device used in sanitizing
This ozone-generating sanitizer looks like a miniature tanning bed for your manual toothbrush—and it emits ultraviolet light (UV) to kill 99.9 percent of brush germs. —Malinda Govoni
Malinda Govoni Among the equipment that impressed him: … A wall-mounted food sanitizer that diverts water from the sink tap and charges it with ozone before dispensing it through the aerator for produce cleaning. —Howard Riell
Howard Riell Examples of sanitizer in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This means keeping the proper sanitizer levels and doing regular cleaning to remove debris and grime that collects on the floor and walls.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 3 Apr. 2025
In addition to diapers, the main compartment has enough room to fit a few small items, such as a travel container of wipes, hand sanitizer, and a snack.
—Laura Lu, Ms, Parents, 29 Mar. 2025
The bar’s dishwasher could not dispense sanitizer, and the bartender reportedly did not know how to test whether the dishwasher had sufficient sanitizer.
—Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Hand sanitizers and aerosol sprays, like antiperspirants and sunscreens, have been previously recalled by the FDA for the same reason.
—Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sanitizer
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Bestreviews, Mercury News, 3 Apr. 2025
In addition to diapers, the main compartment has enough room to fit a few small items, such as a travel container of wipes, hand sanitizer, and a snack.
—Laura Lu, Ms, Parents, 29 Mar. 2025
The bar’s dishwasher could not dispense sanitizer, and the bartender reportedly did not know how to test whether the dishwasher had sufficient sanitizer.
—Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Hand sanitizers and aerosol sprays, like antiperspirants and sunscreens, have been previously recalled by the FDA for the same reason.
—Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sanitizer
Cite this Entry
“Sanitizer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sanitizer. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
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