cleanliness
Americannoun
-
the quality, state, or habit of being cleanly, or keeping oneself clean and neat.
personal cleanliness.
-
the quality, state, or habit of being kept clean, as a place or object.
the cleanliness of the restaurant.
-
the state or quality of being morally pure or upright.
spiritual cleanliness.
Etymology
Origin of cleanliness
First recorded in 1425–75; Middle English clenlynesse, clenlines , cleanly ( def. ), -ness ( def. )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The country boasts a modern highway network, efficient public transportation, widespread high-speed internet, and safety and cleanliness in public spaces.
From Barron's • Feb. 3, 2026
Circle team members and peace ambassadors funded through nonprofit contracts demonstrate commitment to assisting unhoused individuals and residents, with local community members reporting increased park activity, cleanliness, and family-friendly programming such as 5K runs.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 22, 2026
The themes it has listed include cleanliness, environmental issues, water conservation, perils of tobacco use and how to be a responsible citizen.
From BBC • Jan. 9, 2026
The phenomenon is ironic, said Ric Bessin, a professor of entomology at the University of Kentucky, since ladybugs have traditionally been a symbol of cleanliness and order.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 16, 2025
He admired the gentility of the city’s citizens and the cleanliness of its streets.
From "Endgame" by Frank Brady
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
