# sanitary

/ˈsænɪˌtɛɹi/ (US) · /sˈænɪtəɹi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sanitary
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. clean and hygienic

adjective · CEFR B2

clean and free from germs that cause disease.

For teachers: relating to the maintenance of health and the prevention of disease through cleanliness; free from pathogens.

- The hospital must keep all its equipment in sanitary conditions to prevent infections.
- Maintaining sanitary standards in food processing facilities is essential to prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses across the population.

### 2. waste management

adjective · CEFR B2 · Technical

relating to the systems that handle human waste and keep water clean.

For teachers: relating to the systems for the disposal of sewage and the provision of clean water for public health.

- The city invested in a new sanitary sewer system to improve public health.
- The rapid growth of the urban population has put immense pressure on the existing sanitary infrastructure, leading to frequent water contamination issues.

### 3. menstrual product

noun · CEFR B2 · British English

a pad used by women during their period.

For teachers: an absorbent pad worn by women during menstruation; a shortened form of 'sanitary towel' or 'sanitary pad'.

- The school provides free sanitary products in the girls' bathrooms.
- The charity campaigns for better access to sanitary towels for girls in developing regions to ensure they do not miss school during their periods.

Usage: Usually used as a modifier in phrases like 'sanitary products' or 'sanitary bin'.

## Examples

- The kitchen must be kept in a sanitary condition.
- The charity works to provide sanitary living conditions for families in areas without running water.
- Public health officials emphasized that maintaining sanitary standards in food processing plants is the primary defense against large-scale bacterial outbreaks.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.