hygiene

American  

[hahy-jeen] / ˈhaɪ dʒin /

noun

1. Also the science that deals with the preservation of health.

2. a condition or practice conducive to the preservation of health, as cleanliness.

   Poor personal hygiene can lead to health issues such as skin infections.

   Mental hygiene in children should be constantly monitored by parents and teachers.

3. a beneficial or recommended practice or set of practices (used in combination).

   Using the same password on all of your important accounts is simply not good password hygiene.

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hygiene British  

/ ˈhaɪdʒiːn /

noun

1. Also called: hygienics.  the science concerned with the maintenance of health

2. clean or healthy practices or thinking

   personal hygiene

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Usage

What does hygiene mean? Hygiene is a collection of practices to promote and preserve health, or a condition involving the use of such practices.In its most popular sense, hygiene refers to habitual actions that help you stay physically healthy, such as washing your hands and brushing your teeth. This sense of the word is especially used in phrases like personal hygiene and good hygiene. Personal hygiene is closely associated with cleanliness.Hygiene can also be applied to one’s mental well-being—mental hygiene is the practice of trying to maintain mental health through proactive behavior and treatment.The word hygiene is also used to refer to the science that deals with preserving health—both of individuals and the general public. Another word for this is hygienics.The adjective hygienic can mean related to or involving hygiene, promoting good health, or sanitary.Example: Washing your hands is the easiest way to improve your personal hygiene.

Etymology

Origin of hygiene

First recorded in 1590–1600; from French hygiène, from New Latin hygieina, from Greek hygieinḕ (téchnē) “healthful (art),” feminine of hygieinós “healthful,” equivalent to hygiḗ(s) “healthy” + -inos -ine ¹

Example Sentences

“Patrons report not seeing needles, hygiene products, or other dangerous items,” read Gil’s filing.

From Slate • Mar. 25, 2026

Here’s how Hollywood got hooked on hygiene product placement.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

In a space mission setting, the worms could generate compost from discarded materials such as food scraps or cotton clothing and hygiene products that would otherwise be thrown away.

From Science Daily • Mar. 12, 2026

He does not drive, has difficulty dressing himself and needs help with his personal hygiene, cooking and cleaning.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 10, 2026

“But industrial civilization is only possible when there’s no self-denial. Self-indulgence up to the very limits imposed by hygiene and economics. Otherwise the wheels stop turning.”

From "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley

Related Words

• sanitation