adj B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

sanitary

SA-niht-ree

Sanitary (adj) means relating to health and the prevention of disease, especially through cleanliness. Example: “The city upgraded its sanitary systems after the outbreak.”

adj

Relating to health and the prevention of disease, especially through cleanliness.

"The city upgraded its sanitary systems after the outbreak."

Clean and free of germs or disease-causing filth.

"The kitchen must stay sanitary at all times."

"The inspector said the restrooms weren't sanitary enough to pass."

How to Use Sanitary

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishClean, hygienic, and healthy — or relating to public health measures.

Common pairings

sanitary conditions sanitary napkin sanitary standards

Word Forms

more sanitary comparative, sanitaries plural, most sanitary superlative

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Fill the Gap

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The city upgraded its _____ systems after the outbreak.

Etymology

Borrowed in the 19th century from French sanitaire, built on Latin sanitas, "health" — related to "sanity".

Origin: Latin · First attested 1800

Class of 1800 sanitary joined the language around 1800.

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Synonyms

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healthful

Rhymes for sanitary

vary Mary nary wary diary ovary weary apiary canary salary binary January

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “sanitary” mean?

The word “sanitary” means relating to health and the prevention of disease, especially through cleanliness. In plain terms, clean, hygienic, and healthy — or relating to public health measures.

How do you pronounce “sanitary”?

“Sanitary” is pronounced SA-niht-ree (/ˈsænɪˌtɛɹi/ in IPA).

How do you use “sanitary” in a sentence?

Here is “sanitary” used in a sentence: “The city upgraded its sanitary systems after the outbreak.”

What part of speech is “sanitary”?

“Sanitary” is an adjective.

Where does the word “sanitary” come from?

The word “sanitary” dates back to around 1800 and comes from Latin. Borrowed in the 19th century from French sanitaire, built on Latin sanitas, "health" — related to "sanity".

Is “sanitary” a common word?

“Sanitary” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

How many meanings does “sanitary” have?

“Sanitary” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to health and the prevention of disease, especially through cleanliness.