cleanliness

noun

clean·​li·​ness ˈklen-lē-nəs 

: the quality or state of being clean : the practice of keeping oneself or one's surroundings clean

Though a stale remark, it can hardly be said too often, that personal cleanliness is one of the necessary agents to health …

—Walt Whitman

The Romans spent hours at their elaborate bathhouse complexes, but not everyone equated cleanliness with virtue …

—Sara Ivry

This cleanliness is necessary to ensure that no dust or particles end up on the silicon surface during the processing of the chip.

—Robert J. Cone

Examples of cleanliness in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Many who packed a community meeting Monday were concerned about cleanliness and drug use and erratic behavior by encampment residents as well as their living conditions, particularly with another Chicago winter approaching. —Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 5 Oct. 2024

For seven years she’s been an activist fighting to clean up the river as a volunteer with Surfrider, a nonprofit that works to preserve ocean access and cleanliness. —Jireh Deng, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2024

Excess Bedding While having spare bedding is essential for cleanliness, storing an excessive amount of sheets and blankets in your bedroom closet can lead to overcrowding. —Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 21 Sep. 2024

Check the factory cleanliness & gather the batch numbers of the products people have. —Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 9 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cleanliness

• cleanliness is next to godliness