sanitizer
noun
san·i·tiz·er
ˈsa-nə-ˌtī-zər 
plural sanitizers
: a substance or product that is used to reduce or eliminate pathogenic agents (such as bacteria) on surfaces
Sales of alcohol-based hand sanitizers were up nearly 17% as of the first week of September compared to the same period last year …—
Laura Landro
Laura Landro"Carvacrol could potentially be used as a food sanitizer … particularly in conjunction with other antimicrobials," says Kelly Bright, associate research scientist in the department of soil, water, and environmental science at the University of Arizona.—Daniel Stolt
Daniel Stolt
also
: a device used in sanitizing
This ozone-generating sanitizer looks like a miniature tanning bed for your manual toothbrush—and it emits ultraviolet light (UV) to kill 99.9 percent of brush germs. —Malinda Govoni
Malinda Govoni Among the equipment that impressed him: … A wall-mounted food sanitizer that diverts water from the sink tap and charges it with ozone before dispensing it through the aerator for produce cleaning. —Howard Riell
Howard Riell Examples of sanitizer in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Meanwhile, the dishwasher sanitizer measured zero parts per million.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 17 July 2025
The same goes for your hands (the USDA recommends washing for at least 20 seconds using soap and water or using hand sanitizer or towelettes with at least 60% alcohol if running water is not available).7
To prevent cross-contamination, keep raw and ready-to-eat foods separate, said Buffer.
—Cathy Nelson, Health, 2 July 2025
Chlorine sanitizer bucket at too high concentration (200ppm).
—Gege Reed, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025
Don't forget to teach your child to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer after blowing their nose.
—Aleksandra Weber, Parents, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for sanitizer
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David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 17 July 2025
The same goes for your hands (the USDA recommends washing for at least 20 seconds using soap and water or using hand sanitizer or towelettes with at least 60% alcohol if running water is not available).7
To prevent cross-contamination, keep raw and ready-to-eat foods separate, said Buffer.
—Cathy Nelson, Health, 2 July 2025
Chlorine sanitizer bucket at too high concentration (200ppm).
—Gege Reed, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025
Don't forget to teach your child to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer after blowing their nose.
—Aleksandra Weber, Parents, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for sanitizer
Cite this Entry
“Sanitizer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sanitizer. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
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