able-bodied

adjective

able-bod·​ied ˌā-bəl-ˈbä-dēd How to pronounce able-bodied (audio)
: having a sound strong body

Examples of able-bodied in a Sentence

every able-bodied young man in the village had been sent off to fight in the war
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.
Now, all able-bodied people between the ages of 18 and 64 will need to work 80 hours a month to receive benefits, except for parents with children younger than 7. Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 28 May 2025 This would undo the perverse incentive by which states prioritize coverage for able-bodied, working-age people instead of the poor children or disabled people Medicaid is supposed to be for. The Editors, National Review, 23 May 2025 Restrictions on food stamps The package also raises the upper age requirement for able-bodied adults without children to qualify for benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP, or food stamps. Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 22 May 2025 Similarly, to receive food stamps through SNAP, those up to age 64, rather than 54, who are able-bodied and without dependents, would need to meet the 80 hours a month work or community engagement requirements. Lisa Mascaro, Twin Cities, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for able-bodied

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of able-bodied was in 1600

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Cite this Entry

“Able-bodied.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/able-bodied. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

able-bodied

adjective
able-bod·​ied
ˌā-bəl-ˈbäd-ēd
: having a healthy strong body : physically fit

More from Merriam-Webster on able-bodied

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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