hygiene

noun

hy·​giene ˈhī-ˌjēn How to pronounce hygiene (audio)
also hī-ˈjēn
Synonyms of hygiene
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, sleep hygiene
hygienist
hī-ˈjē-nist How to pronounce hygiene (audio)
ˈhī-ˌjē-, 
hī-ˈje- How to pronounce hygiene (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Better hygiene isn’t the only reason Bogoyavlenskiy and his team load silverware this way. — Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Sep. 2026 Uprety said authorities were also focusing on hygiene and sanitation to reduce the risk of disease. — ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026 As if dating weren’t already enough of a gamble, a new trend has some men skipping their usual hygiene routines before meeting a prospective partner. — Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026 Inspectors noted improper holding temperatures and storage practices, as well as issues with employee hygiene. — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hygiene

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

1799, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hygiene was in 1799

Phrases Containing hygiene

Rhymes for hygiene

See All Rhymes for hygiene

Browse Nearby Words

hygge
hygiene
hygienic
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hygiene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hygiene. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

hygiene

noun
hy·​giene ˈhī-ˌjēn How to pronounce hygiene (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on hygiene

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for hygiene

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hygiene

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