sanitation

American  

[san-i-tey-shuhn] / ˌsæn ɪˈteɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the development and application of sanitary measures for the sake of cleanliness, protecting health, etc.

2. the disposal of sewage and solid waste.

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sanitation British  

/ ˌsænɪˈteɪʃən /

noun

1. the study and use of practical measures for the preservation of public health

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Etymology

Origin of sanitation

First recorded in 1840–50; sanit(ary) + -ation

Explanation

Sanitation has to do with making things clean, especially by sterilizing. Have you ever used hand sanitizer to make sure your hands are germ-free? Then you should have an idea what sanitation is: making something clean (sanitary). Sanitation workers pick up your garbage, keeping your neighborhood clean. Sanitation is important in restaurants and also for surgical instruments. You wouldn't want a surgeon to touch you with an instrument that hadn't gone through sanitation, because it would probably have germs.

Example Sentences

Richards conducted studies of air quality in homes, ventilation and nutrition and advocated for food labeling, safe preservatives and sanitation standards in kitchens and food markets.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

Days later, sanitation workers cleared the encampment where he’d been living.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2026

The regulations allowed for safe, sanctioned camping for up to 50 people with amenities like security and sanitation.

From Slate • Mar. 25, 2026

Recognizing that these bacteria can spread through passive fluid flows may help improve sanitation strategies in food processing facilities.

From Science Daily • Mar. 13, 2026

King, who was in Memphis to support striking sanitation workers, told Hawkins that he just couldn't leave at that time.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson

Related Words

• cleanliness
• hygiene