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

Port Crescent State Park The modern campground at Port Crescent State Park closed for an enhancement project that includes new roads, water and sewer lines, electrical and a sanitation station. —Tanya Wildt, Detroit Free Press, 6 Dec. 2024

King gave the speech April 3, 1968, while in Memphis supporting striking sanitation workers. —La Risa R. Lynch, Journal Sentinel, 6 Dec. 2024

Advertisement Then in 1968, the city’s sanitation workers went on strike. —Philip Marcelo, Los Angeles Times, 28 Nov. 2024

Historically, trash collection relied on plastic bags, a system adopted in 1968 after a sanitation workers' strike left metal bins overflowing. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 27 Nov. 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