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

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

Should that happen, then temporary camp cities can be set up in a matter of weeks to provide Gazans with the basics—water, electricity, sanitation, Wi-Fi, and food. —Joel Thayer, Newsweek, 27 Jan. 2025

The challenges Palestinians now face in returning home range from basic needs -- such as access to water, food, electricity, gas and the internet -- to larger-scale systems such as sanitation, health care and education. —Somayeh Malekian, ABC News, 23 Jan. 2025

To prevent these four circulating viruses, Glanville recommends getting vaccinated when available, avoiding contact with those who are infected, and following proper sanitation practices. —Melissa Rudy, Fox News, 22 Jan. 2025

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