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 before another noun
a sanitation truck
sanitation workers
Examples of sanitation in a Sentence
Diseases can spread from poor sanitation.
Recent Examples on the Web
According to the History Channel, King was in Memphis to support a sanitation workers’ strike.
—
Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer, 12 Jan. 2026
In response to the outbreak, the cruise line consulted with the VSP regarding proper sanitation procedures and reporting cases.
—Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
Though issues such as power provision appear to be improving, complaints of sanitation problems and crumbling roads have become increasingly commonplace ahead of the local elections, which must be held before November.
—semafor.com, 12 Jan. 2026
Memphis remained peaceful due in part to the work that began earlier that year when CRS provided conciliation services during a sanitation workers’ strike and met with members of the Black community, religious leaders and gang members to prevent an escalation of violence during the strike.
—Josh Meyer, USA Today, 10 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sanitation
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Cite this Entry
“Sanitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sanitation. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
Kids 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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