hygiene

noun

hy·​giene ˈhī-ˌjēn How to pronounce hygiene (audio)
 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 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 examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Practice good sleep hygiene: An hour before bedtime, lower the lights in your room by 70%. Dr. Peter H. Diamandis, TIME, 4 Nov. 2024 Maintaining good hand and respiratory hygiene can help prevent colds and their spread. Brandi Jones, Msn-Ed, Health, 31 Oct. 2024 Otherwise, good sleep hygiene is always a great place to start — including establishing a sleep schedule, avoiding naps and alcohol, and stopping screen use in bed. Katia Hetter, CNN, 30 Oct. 2024 Provide for short-term emergency needs including personal care or hygiene items, clothing, rental or utility assistance or disaster relief. Silvia Solis, The Arizona Republic, 29 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for hygiene 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of hygiene was in 1671

Dictionary Entries Near hygiene

Cite this Entry

“Hygiene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hygiene. Accessed 18 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

hygiene

noun
hy·​giene ˈhī-ˌjēn How to pronounce hygiene (audio)
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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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