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

International humanitarian law further defines minimum conditions of detention covering accommodation, food, clothing, hygiene and medical care that prisoners of war are to be provided with. —Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025

New standards aim to make stethoscope hygiene as critical as hand hygiene, written by the same team that wrote the hygiene guidelines for the COVID-19 pandemic. —Diskcover, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 2025

Lifestyle Habits Alongside regular dental care, healthy oral hygiene practices and lifestyle habits play a central role in preventing cavities. —Mark Gurarie, Health, 16 Feb. 2025

Topics like nutrition, exercise, sleep hygiene, and stress management are often covered, providing actionable steps for maintaining progress beyond the retreat. —Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 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