health

1 of 2

noun

ˈhelth 

also ˈheltth

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

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

drink to

2 of 2

verb

drank to; drunk to; drinking to

: to speak words that honor or express good wishes for (someone or something) and then take a drink : to make a toast to (someone or something)

We drank to their 30th anniversary.

We drank to their health.

Note: I'll drink to that! means that one agrees completely with something that someone has said.

"It will be the best vacation of our lives." "I'll drink to that!"

Synonyms of health

Noun

• fitness
• wellness
• healthiness
• strength
• soundness
• wholesomeness
• agility
• vigor

Examples of health in a Sentence

Noun

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

Noun

What is happening currently in biology and medicine—with biomedical research accelerating the understanding of disease and developing new drugs—is fascinating and will revolutionize the approach to human health. —Rachel Nuwer, Scientific American, 16 June 2026

The Bundibugyo ebolavirus outbreak in Congo, which has spread to neighboring Uganda, is causing serious concern among health officials. —Kiki Intarasuwan, CBS News, 16 June 2026

Verb

Cost Everything is relative, but prices across the Amalfi Coast and on Capri—for everything from food and drinks to accommodations and taxis—are high compared to many other Italian destinations. —Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 14 June 2026

More recently, food companies have sprinkled it into everything from breakfast cereals, Pop-Tarts and potato chips to bagels, tortillas and Starbucks drinks to meet growing consumer demand. —ABC News, 12 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English helthe, from Old English hǣlth, from hāl

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing health

• anomalous health incident
• bill of health
• electronic health record
• give (someone or something) a clean bill of health
• health care
• health club
• health farm
• health food
• health insurance
• health maintenance organization
• health spa
• health span
• in rude health
• mental health
• mental health day
• public health

Rhymes for health

• stealth
• wealth
• bridewealth
• commonwealth
• telehealth

Kids Definition

health

noun

ˈhelth 

1

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

Noun

Old English hǣlth "health," from hāl "healthy" — related to hale entry 1

Medical Definition

health

noun

ˈhelth 

often 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

especially : freedom from physical disease and pain

nursed him back to health

compare disease

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