sanitary

adjective

san·​i·​tary ˈsa-nə-ˌter-ē How to pronounce sanitary (audio)
Synonyms of sanitarynext
1
: of or relating to health
sanitary measures
2
: of, relating to, or used in the disposal especially of domestic waterborne waste
a sanitary sewer system
3
: characterized by or readily kept in cleanliness
sanitary packages
sanitarily
ˌsa-nə-ˈter-ə-lē How to pronounce sanitary (audio)
adverb

Synonyms

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Examples of sanitary in a Sentence

the nurse made sure that everything in the room was sanitary so that the baby wouldn't get sick
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.
In addition to clothing, food, medical and sanitary supplies, the Progress also has aboard a new Orlan-MKS spacesuit to be used on Russian spacewalks. — Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com, 1 Mar. 2025 According to Busch, keeping dryer vents clean, isn’t just a matter of being sanitary, but allows dryers to work efficiently and, more importantly, lowers the risk of fire. — Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 1 Mar. 2025 It’s been more than a century since the passage of the Pure Food and Drug Act, which aimed to ensure the sanitary preparation of food. — Elizabeth Yuko, Health, 1 Mar. 2025 As part of the moves, Zuckerberg eliminated diversity initiatives in the workplace — something that Trump had criticized — and removed sanitary products from the men’s bathrooms, which had been provided for transgender and nonbinary employees who may have required them. — Jess Bidgood, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sanitary

Word History

Etymology

French sanitaire, from Latin sanitas

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sanitary was in 1838

Phrases Containing sanitary

Rhymes for sanitary

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Browse Nearby Words

sanitary
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Cite this Entry

“Sanitary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sanitary. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

sanitary

adjective
san·​i·​tary ˈsan-ə-ˌter-ē How to pronounce sanitary (audio)
1
: of or relating to health : hygienic
sanitary laws
2
: free from filth, infection, or dangers to health

Medical Definition

sanitary

adjective
san·​i·​tary ˈsan-ə-ˌter-ē How to pronounce sanitary (audio)
1
: of or relating to health
sanitary measures
2
: of, relating to, or used in the disposal especially of domestic waterborne waste
sanitary sewage
3
: characterized by or readily kept in cleanliness
sanitary food handling
sanitarily
ˌsan-ə-ˈter-ə-lē How to pronounce sanitary (audio)
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on sanitary

Nglish: Translation of sanitary for Spanish Speakers

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