hygiene

noun

hy·​giene ˈhī-ˌjēn 

 also  hī-ˈjēn

1

: a science of the establishment and maintenance of health

2

: conditions or practices (as of cleanliness) conducive to health

has poor personal hygiene

Brushing your teeth regularly is an important part of good oral hygiene.

see also feminine hygiene

hygienist

hī-ˈjē-nist 

ˈhī-ˌjē-

hī-ˈje- 

noun

Examples of hygiene in a Sentence

Poor sanitation and hygiene caused many of the soldiers to get sick.

He has very poor personal hygiene.

Brushing your teeth regularly is an important part of good dental hygiene.

Recent Examples on the Web

These are all part of standard advice for good sleep hygiene, which also includes reducing screen use before bed and creating a regular evening routine, like reading or listening to calming music. —Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2025

This includes family history, poor sleep hygiene, nutrition deficiencies, and having certain health conditions. —Mark Gurarie, Health, 1 Nov. 2025

The food bank's three locations provide a grocery cart full of both perishable and nonperishable foods to those in need, as well as hygiene and infant products if necessary. —Mackensy Lunsford, Nashville Tennessean, 30 Oct. 2025

Isaza said the priorities and concerns for UNICEF are water, sanitation, hygiene, and food for the children in affected areas. —Matt Nighswander, NBC news, 30 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French hygiène & New Latin hygieina, from Greek, neuter plural of hygieinos healthful, from hygiēs healthy; akin to Sanskrit su well and to Latin vivus living — more at quick entry 1

First Known Use

1671, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing hygiene

• feminine hygiene

Rhymes for hygiene

• agin
• alkene
• allene
• ameen
• amin
• amine
• arene
• athene
• baleen
• beeline
• benzene
• between

Kids Definition

hygiene

noun

hy·​giene ˈhī-ˌjēn 

1

: a science that deals with the bringing about and keeping up of good health in individuals and groups

2

: conditions or practices (as of cleanliness) that are aids to good health

Medical Definition

hygiene

noun

hy·​giene

ˈhī-ˌjēn also hī-ˈ

1

: a science of the establishment and maintenance of health see industrial hygiene, mental hygiene

2

: conditions or practices (as of cleanliness) conducive to health