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

Most active during cool, wet weather — especially in early spring and fall, botrytis can live on both living and dead plant material and overwinters easily, making sanitation critical. —Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 2026

In one of the classrooms turned into living quarters, Said Mohammad Mustafa, 63, a sanitation worker from Afrin, has collected a few sticks to burn. —Jane Arraf, NPR, 2 May 2026

These risks are linked to prolonged contact with contaminated water, compounded by limited access to sanitation and healthcare. —Abraham Nunbogu, Fortune, 29 Apr. 2026

Both the sanitation employee and the officer sustained multiple bite injuries and a LAHSA employee suffered a minor abrasion. —Nathaniel Percy, Daily News, 29 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