sanitary

adjective

san·​i·​tary ˈsa-nə-ˌter-ē How to pronounce sanitary (audio)
1
: of or relating to health
sanitary measures
2
: of, relating to, or used in the disposal especially of domestic waterborne waste
a sanitary sewer system
3
: characterized by or readily kept in cleanliness
sanitary packages
sanitarily adverb

Examples of sanitary in a Sentence

the nurse made sure that everything in the room was sanitary so that the baby wouldn't get sick
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
What products were recalled Symptoms of salmonella infection Salmonella is a bacteria that can enter the food production chain when the process isn't sanitary and when workers handling food do not wash their hands, the FDA says. Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY, 8 Jan. 2025 They are also required to ensure their premises are clean, sanitary and equipped with a panic button, and are prohibited from dismissing an employee who refuses a client or a specific act. Juliana Kim, NPR, 1 Dec. 2024 Salmonella is a bacteria that can enter the food production chain when the process isn't sanitary and when workers handling food do not wash their hands, the FDA says. Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY, 4 Dec. 2024 He has been housed on the medical wing at Rikers, which lacks basic medical care, blankets, clean clothes and sanitary conditions, Ansari says. Emily Smith, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sanitary 

Word History

Etymology

French sanitaire, from Latin sanitas

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sanitary was in 1838

Dictionary Entries Near sanitary

Cite this Entry

“Sanitary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sanitary. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

sanitary

adjective
san·​i·​tary ˈsan-ə-ˌter-ē How to pronounce sanitary (audio)
1
: of or relating to health : hygienic
sanitary laws
2
: free from filth, infection, or dangers to health

Medical Definition

sanitary

adjective
san·​i·​tary ˈsan-ə-ˌter-ē How to pronounce sanitary (audio)
1
: of or relating to health
sanitary measures
2
: of, relating to, or used in the disposal especially of domestic waterborne waste
sanitary sewage
3
: characterized by or readily kept in cleanliness
sanitary food handling
sanitarily adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on sanitary

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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