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

Watch the video: UNICEF hygiene kits contain basic products families need to care for their children The hygiene kits are a lifeline for parents struggling to keep their children healthy in increasingly difficult conditions. —Sarah Ferguson, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024

The office also advised people to avoid mass gatherings and observe basic rules of hygiene, including washing hands with soap and water. —Denise Chow, NBC News, 4 Dec. 2024

To ensure comfort, experts suggest maintaining good hygiene by washing bedding regularly and setting boundaries for your dog's sleeping habits. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2024

However, according to the study, there are several travelers who do not keep up with proper hygiene. —Marley Malenfant, Austin American-Statesman, 2 Dec. 2024

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

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