sanitation

noun

san·​i·​ta·​tion ˌsa-nə-ˈtā-shən 

1

: the act or process of making sanitary

2

: the promotion of hygiene and prevention of disease by maintenance of sanitary conditions (as by removal of sewage and trash)

—often used attributively

a sanitation truck

sanitation workers

Examples of sanitation in a Sentence

Diseases can spread from poor sanitation.

Recent Examples on the Web

Additional provisions focus on protecting at-risk detainees from suicide, providing adequate medical and mental health care and implementing a robust housekeeping and pest control program to maintain cleanliness and sanitation. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 4 Jan. 2025

One week could bring clean water and sanitation to 27 million people for a year. —Michael Sheldrick, Forbes, 28 Dec. 2024

Under it, thousands of children were separated from their families and kept in detention centers, often without adequate food, water or sanitation. —Raphael Romero Ruiz, The Arizona Republic, 21 Dec. 2024

Recently, Bass and her team have been strategizing with the police, recreation and sanitation departments and working with supportive housing providers. —Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 21 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

sanitation

noun

san·​i·​ta·​tion ˌsan-ə-ˈtā-shən 

1

: the act or process of making sanitary

2

: the promotion of community hygiene and disease prevention especially by keeping up sewage systems, by collecting and disposing of trash and garbage, and by cleaning streets

Medical Definition

sanitation

noun

san·​i·​ta·​tion ˌsan-ə-ˈtā-shən 

1

: the act or process of making sanitary

2

: the promotion of hygiene and prevention of disease by maintenance of sanitary conditions

mouth sanitation