often attributive
1
a
: the condition of being sound in body, mind, or spirit
She is the picture of health.
especially
: freedom from physical disease or pain
nursed them back to health
see also mental health
b
: the general condition of the body
in good/poor health
How is your mother's health?
At the wedding reception, we drank to their health.
enjoys good health
see also health care
2
a
: a condition in which someone or something is thriving or doing well : well-being
… defending the health of the beloved oceans.—
Peter Wilkinson
see also bill of health
Peter Wilkinson
b
: general condition or state
poor economic health
Investors are worried about the company's health.
3
archaic
: a toast to someone's health or prosperity
proposed the health of the guests
Examples of health in a Sentence
We nursed him back to health.
He's in good health these days.
He has continued to enjoy good health in his old age.
Smoking is bad for your health.
He is concerned about his sister's mental health.
We must protect the health of our oceans.
The economy is in a period of robust financial health.
Investors are worried about the company's health.
Recent Examples on the Web
During a Monday news conference, Spain’s health minister Monica Garcia said after the last passengers are evacuated, the ship will sail for the Netherlands, with about 30 crew members on board.
—Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 12 May 2026
Many children are withdrawn from public schools because of bullying, negative peer pressure, or health concerns.
—James R Mason, Hartford Courant, 12 May 2026
When Danh was initially hospitalized overseas on April 9, doctors diagnosed her with acute liver failure, among other serious health issues.
—Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026
Milk has natural ways to support plant health, improve soil, and even help deter common garden problems.
—Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for health
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 12 May 2026
Many children are withdrawn from public schools because of bullying, negative peer pressure, or health concerns.
—James R Mason, Hartford Courant, 12 May 2026
When Danh was initially hospitalized overseas on April 9, doctors diagnosed her with acute liver failure, among other serious health issues.
—Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026
Milk has natural ways to support plant health, improve soil, and even help deter common garden problems.
—Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for health
Cite this Entry
“Health.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/health. Accessed 12 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
health
noun1
a
: the condition of being sound in body, mind, or spirit
especially
: freedom from disease
b
: the overall condition of the body
in poor health
2
: flourishing condition
3
: a toast to someone's health or success
drink a health
Etymology
Old English hǣlth "health," from hāl "healthy" — related to hale entry 1
Medical Definition
health
nounoften attributive
1
: the condition of an organism or one of its parts in which it performs its vital functions normally or properly : the state of being sound in body or mind
dental health
mental health
2
: the condition of an organism with respect to the performance of its vital functions especially as evaluated subjectively or nonprofessionally
how is your health today
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