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

Much of this is due to societal advances such as vaccines, antibiotics, public health infrastructure, sanitation, hygiene, earlier diagnoses, and increased public awareness about health and longevity. —Julia Craven, Popular Science, 30 Jan. 2025

Dental hygiene students from IU Northwest will provide care, alongside a licensed dentist and dental hygienists. —Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 27 Jan. 2025

William Schaffner: The most important thing is good hand hygiene. —William Schaffner, The Conversation, 27 Jan. 2025

Tyler Shane The Best Electric Toothbrushes for Your Pearly Whites These rechargeable and battery-powered models put better oral hygiene within easy reach. —Adrienne So, WIRED, 21 Jan. 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

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