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Definition of cleanliness

cleanliness

/ˈklɛn.li.nəs/
clean · li · ness
Adjective:cleanly
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cleanliness Lexical Profile

cleanliness Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The state or quality of being clean, or the habitual practice of keeping oneself and one's surroundings free from dirt and contamination.

Example

"The restaurant's high standards of cleanliness earned it a top rating from the health inspector."

2

Moral or spiritual purity; freedom from guilt, corruption, or defilement.

Example

"Several ancient traditions link physical ritual washing with spiritual cleanliness."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for cleanliness
Antonyms
View all antonyms for cleanliness

Word Nuance & Usage

Although spelled with 'ea' like 'clean', the first syllable of 'cleanliness' is pronounced with a short 'e' sound (/ˈklɛnlinəs/), matching the adjective 'cleanly' rather than the adverb 'cleanly'.

• Rhymes for cleanliness

• Nearby Words

cleanhearted
cleaning
cleanish
cleanliness
cleanly
cleanness
cleanout

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English 'clǣnlīcnes', formed from the adjective 'clǣnlīc' (cleanly, pure) and the noun suffix '-nes'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Cleanliness. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/cleanliness
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