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
That's like hitting three birds with one stone—sanitation, desalination, and renewable energy all rolled into one system.
—
Dr. Reji Thomas, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
On a cool weekday morning last month, just steps away from some of California's fanciest boutiques and bistros, Irving Webb was desperately trying to break camp as sanitation workers with shovels cleared the sidewalk he's been living on for the last few nights.
—Quil Lawrence, NPR, 26 May 2025
Rubio said the waivers will facilitate the provision of electricity, energy, water, and sanitation, and enable a more effective humanitarian response across Syria.
—Alex Stambaugh, CNN Money, 24 May 2025
So much in Gaza relies on a generator, so fuel is needed for water-purification systems, hospitals, sewage-treatment facilities, any sanitation facilities, pretty much for everything.
—Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for sanitation
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Dr. Reji Thomas, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
On a cool weekday morning last month, just steps away from some of California's fanciest boutiques and bistros, Irving Webb was desperately trying to break camp as sanitation workers with shovels cleared the sidewalk he's been living on for the last few nights.
—Quil Lawrence, NPR, 26 May 2025
Rubio said the waivers will facilitate the provision of electricity, energy, water, and sanitation, and enable a more effective humanitarian response across Syria.
—Alex Stambaugh, CNN Money, 24 May 2025
So much in Gaza relies on a generator, so fuel is needed for water-purification systems, hospitals, sewage-treatment facilities, any sanitation facilities, pretty much for everything.
—Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for sanitation
Cite this Entry
“Sanitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sanitation. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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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