sanitation

noun

san·​i·​ta·​tion ˌsa-nə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce sanitation (audio)
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 before another noun
a sanitation truck
sanitation workers

Examples of sanitation in a Sentence

Diseases can spread from poor sanitation.
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.
Air quality regulators said that during the sanitation process this week, Lineage will need to maintain negative air pressure and keep air pollution equipment running to help mitigate fumes. — Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026 Roaches were found at ten Dallas restaurants and sanitation issues were noted at others in the latest round of city health inspections, according to the inspection report. — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Aug. 2026 At the sanitation section of the triple sink/three-compartment sink, the chlorine measured 10 parts per million. — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026 Include things like toilet paper, tissues, personal sanitation products, paper towels, hand sanitizer, and wipes. — Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sanitation

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sanitation was in 1848

Rhymes for sanitation

See All Rhymes for sanitation

Browse Nearby Words

sanitate
sanitation
sanitation cutting
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sanitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sanitation. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

sanitation

noun
san·​i·​ta·​tion ˌsan-ə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce sanitation (audio)
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 How to pronounce sanitation (audio)
1
: the act or process of making sanitary
2
: the promotion of hygiene and prevention of disease by maintenance of sanitary conditions
mouth sanitation

More from Merriam-Webster on sanitation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sanitation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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