sanitizer

noun

san·​i·​tiz·​er ˈsa-nə-ˌtī-zər How to pronounce sanitizer (audio)
plural sanitizers
: a substance or product that is used to reduce or eliminate pathogenic agents (such as bacteria) on surfaces
Sales of alcohol-based hand sanitizers were up nearly 17% as of the first week of September compared to the same period last year …Laura Landro
"Carvacrol could potentially be used as a food sanitizer … particularly in conjunction with other antimicrobials," says Kelly Bright, associate research scientist in the department of soil, water, and environmental science at the University of Arizona.Daniel Stolt
also : a device used in sanitizing
This ozone-generating sanitizer looks like a miniature tanning bed for your manual toothbrush—and it emits ultraviolet light (UV) to kill 99.9 percent of brush germs. Malinda Govoni
Among the equipment that impressed him: … A wall-mounted food sanitizer that diverts water from the sink tap and charges it with ozone before dispensing it through the aerator for produce cleaning. Howard Riell

Examples of sanitizer in a Sentence

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.
There was buildup inside of the ice machine and no sanitizer for wiping down prep surfaces and tables. Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 27 June 2025 With various scents available, this sanitizer ensures cleanliness without the sticky residue. Jené Luciani Sena May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 24 June 2025 Hand sanitizer and a sealable bag for waste are also wise additions. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2025 Excessive flies on or around food led to six facility closures, and a lack of refrigeration was linked to two red placards. Unusable bathroom facilities and having no sanitizer for ware washing were cited in one restaurant closure report each. Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 15 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for sanitizer

Word History

First Known Use

1911, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sanitizer was in 1911

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Cite this Entry

“Sanitizer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sanitizer. Accessed 20 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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