hygienic

adjective

hy·​gien·​ic ˌhī-ˈjē-nik How to pronounce hygienic (audio) -ˈje- How to pronounce hygienic (audio)
also
-jē-ˈe-nik How to pronounce hygienic (audio)
Synonyms of hygienicnext
1
a
: of or relating to hygiene
b
: having or showing good hygiene
hygienic conditions
2
a
: antiseptic sense 2c
… sweetly hygienic production … comic in an entirely innocuous way …—John W. Aldridge
b
: antiseptic sense 3
… a hygienic view of national realities and moral imperatives.—I. L. Horowitz
hygienically
ˌhī-ˈjē-ni-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce hygienic (audio)
-ˈje-
 
also
-jē-ˈe-ni- How to pronounce hygienic (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of hygienic

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Examples of hygienic in a Sentence

For hygienic reasons, restaurants should wash silverware and drinking glasses more than once. The hygienic conditions of the operating room are maintained by the nursing staff. The prisoners' living quarters were not hygienic.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Not to mention, prepping skin with a brush instead of hands can be more hygienic and gentler on the skin barrier. — Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 14 May 2026 This inexpensive folding brush with a mirror stays in its own hygienic bag in your carry-on ready to save you from looking like you just came in from a wild night out. — Carin Ryan, Travel + Leisure, 27 June 2026 Not only is the presentation of these mini desserts adorable, but personal portions are also more hygienic and easier for the host to serve. — Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 9 May 2026 Cleaning routines ensure hygienic conditions for people and pets. — Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for hygienic

Word History

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of hygienic was in 1833

Rhymes for hygienic

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Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Hygienic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hygienic. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on hygienic

Nglish: Translation of hygienic for Spanish Speakers

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