rehab

noun

re·​hab ˈrē-ˌhab 

often attributive

1

: the action or process of rehabilitating : rehabilitation

especially : a program for rehabilitating especially drug or alcohol abusers

2

: a rehabilitated building or dwelling

rehab verb

rehabber

ˈrē-ˌha-bər 

noun

Synonyms of rehab

• rehabilitation
• recovery

Examples of rehab in a Sentence

The rehab for his leg injury is going well.

the accident victim had to undergo months of rehab before she could walk again

Recent Examples on the Web

Kikuchi made his first rehab start with the Quakes before making two starts at Salt Lake. — Kyle Glaser, Oc Register, 16 Aug. 2026

He was discharged from rehab earlier this month and is continuing physical therapy at home. — Kiara Moore, The Washington Examiner, 16 Aug. 2026

As a result of the stroke, Foxx had to relearn how to walk and talk in rehab for months afterwards. — Diana Pearl, PEOPLE, 15 Aug. 2026

Boone wasn’t sure when Stanton might begin a rehab assignment, but he’s been hitting on the field and running the bases. — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 15 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

short for rehabilitation or rehabilitate

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

rehab

noun

re·​hab ˈrē-ˌhab 

often attributive

: rehabilitation

especially : a program for rehabilitating especially drug or alcohol abusers