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 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
Some people argue that enforcement becomes necessary when encampments grow large or long-term, especially when safety concerns, sanitation issues, or violent incidents arise.
—
Shianne Leclaire, Hartford Courant, 17 May 2026
The Charlotte Observer reports restaurant sanitation scores lower than an A, and updates the public when B and C grade restaurants are graded again.
—Eva Flowe
may 15, Charlotte Observer, 15 May 2026
Fortunately, frequent sanitation is often sufficient for keeping fruit flies out of your drains, and your kitchen in general.
—Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 13 May 2026
The Cienaga Grande de Santa Marta is fed by the Magdalena River — one of Colombia’s main waterways — which carries untreated wastewater from across much of the country, said Julián Arbelaez, a water and sanitation engineer working in the region.
—ABC News, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for sanitation
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Shianne Leclaire, Hartford Courant, 17 May 2026
The Charlotte Observer reports restaurant sanitation scores lower than an A, and updates the public when B and C grade restaurants are graded again.
—Eva Flowe
may 15, Charlotte Observer, 15 May 2026
Fortunately, frequent sanitation is often sufficient for keeping fruit flies out of your drains, and your kitchen in general.
—Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 13 May 2026
The Cienaga Grande de Santa Marta is fed by the Magdalena River — one of Colombia’s main waterways — which carries untreated wastewater from across much of the country, said Julián Arbelaez, a water and sanitation engineer working in the region.
—ABC News, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for sanitation
Cite this Entry
“Sanitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sanitation. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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