cleanliness

[klen-lee-nis]

noun

1. the quality, state, or habit of being cleanly, or keeping oneself clean and neat.

   personal cleanliness.

2. the quality, state, or habit of being kept clean, as a place or object.

   the cleanliness of the restaurant.

3. the state or quality of being morally pure or upright.

   spiritual cleanliness.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cleanliness¹

First recorded in 1425–75; Middle English clenlynesse, clenlines , cleanly ( def. ), -ness ( def. )

Example Sentences

The phenomenon is ironic, said Ric Bessin, a professor of entomology at the University of Kentucky, since ladybugs have traditionally been a symbol of cleanliness and order.

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Market-research firm Technomic said that diners are noticing the changes, with opinions of Chili’s decor, cleanliness and ambience all improved from a year ago.

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Why would a value tied to cleanliness and sanctity shape how people judge billionaires?

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"A lot of people do associate OCD with cleanliness, and being clean, and getting all your socks in a certain order. It's so much more than that."

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I kept wondering when to clean the bathroom, before I showered for cleanliness or after I showered for alertness.

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Related Words

• freshness www.thesaurus.com
• purity 
• sanitation