cleanliness

noun

clean·​li·​ness ˈklen-lē-nəs 

: the quality or state of being clean : the practice of keeping oneself or one's surroundings clean

Though a stale remark, it can hardly be said too often, that personal cleanliness is one of the necessary agents to health …

—Walt Whitman

The Romans spent hours at their elaborate bathhouse complexes, but not everyone equated cleanliness with virtue …

—Sara Ivry

This cleanliness is necessary to ensure that no dust or particles end up on the silicon surface during the processing of the chip.

—Robert J. Cone

Examples of cleanliness in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Salvation Army Thrift Store closest to my home in Santa Fe seems to have relaxed last century’s strict emphasis on cleanliness. —Caity Weaver, The Atlantic, 12 June 2026

Next, choosing the right material for your kitchen pegboard is critical, not only for aesthetics but also for long-term functionality and cleanliness. —Better Homes & Gardens, 11 June 2026

This is not a matter of cleanliness. —Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 11 June 2026

As a subsidiary of the global corporation, 7-Eleven Japan stands out from its counterpart in other countries for its higher-quality food and higher standards of cleanliness. —Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 10 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cleanliness

• cleanliness is next to godliness