hygiene
HEYE-jeen
Hygiene (noun) means the practices and conditions that keep people healthy and clean, especially by preventing disease. Example: “Good hygiene, like regular handwashing, helps stop germs from spreading.”
noun
1
The practices and conditions that keep people healthy and clean, especially by preventing disease.
"Good hygiene, like regular handwashing, helps stop germs from spreading."
"The restaurant was fined for poor kitchen hygiene."
"The school teaches children about dental hygiene, including brushing twice a day."
How to use hygiene
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishKeeping yourself and your surroundings clean to stay healthy.
Common pairings
personal hygiene
good hygiene
dental hygiene
food hygiene
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Word forms
- Plural
- hygienes
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Good _____, like regular handwashing, helps stop germs from spreading.
Etymology
From French hygiène, from Greek hugieinē tekhnē, literally "the art of health," from hugies, meaning "healthy."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for hygiene
See all rhymes for hygiene →Frequently asked questions
What does “hygiene” mean?
The word “hygiene” means the practices and conditions that keep people healthy and clean, especially by preventing disease. In plain terms, keeping yourself and your surroundings clean to stay healthy.
How do you pronounce “hygiene”?
“Hygiene” is pronounced HEYE-jeen (/ˈhaɪˌd͡ʒiːn/ in IPA).
How do you use “hygiene” in a sentence?
Here is “hygiene” used in a sentence: “Good hygiene, like regular handwashing, helps stop germs from spreading.”
What part of speech is “hygiene”?
“Hygiene” is a noun.
Where does the word “hygiene” come from?
The word “hygiene” comes from French. From French hygiène, from Greek hugieinē tekhnē, literally "the art of health," from hugies, meaning "healthy.".
Is “hygiene” a common word?
“Hygiene” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between "hygiene" and "cleanliness"?
"Hygiene" refers to the practices and conditions that keep people healthy and clean, especially by preventing disease, while "cleanliness" more narrowly describes the state of being clean or free of dirt. Hygiene is broader, encompassing habits and conditions aimed specifically at health and disease prevention, not just tidiness.
What are common examples of good hygiene practices?
Common hygiene practices include handwashing, regular bathing, oral care, and food safety habits, all aimed at keeping people healthy and preventing disease. These practices form the core of what the word "hygiene" describes in everyday and medical contexts.
Why is hygiene important for preventing disease?
Hygiene practices and conditions are specifically designed to keep people healthy and clean by reducing exposure to harmful bacteria, viruses, and other disease-causing agents. Consistent hygiene habits are a primary line of defense against the spread of illness in both personal and public settings.
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