health

noun, often attributive \ ˈhelth also ˈheltth \

|Updated on: 16 Jun 2018

Examples: health in a Sentence

Definition of health

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

b : the general condition of the body

How is your mother's health?

in poor health

enjoys good health

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

b : general condition or state

poor economic health

3 : a toast to someone's health or prosperity

See health defined for English-language learners

See health defined for kids

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 of health from the Web

The Farm on Ogden — a unique partnership between the Lawndale Christian Health Center and Chicago Botanic Garden — aims to improve community health in North Lawndale by providing access to healthy food.

— greg trotter, chicagotribune.com, "Farm on Ogden aims to bring fresh produce and jobs to troubled North Lawndale," 12 June 2018
The Portland Thorns have three key players nearing full health.

— jamie goldberg, OregonLive.com, "Thorns players Adrianna Franch, Hayley Raso and Emily Sonnett will travel for match against Chicago," 11 June 2018
If Donovan Jeter and Luiji Vilain can maintain health, Michigan will have up to 10 players capable of rotating this season.

— nick baumgardner, Detroit Free Press, "Michigan's defensive line may be outstanding with Rashan Gary as star," 10 June 2018
Oranges are also rich in Vitamin C, which can help boost immunity, and are high in soluble fiber, which supports digestive health.

— Time, "Weekend Recipe: A Flourless Orange Cake," 8 June 2018
One positive sign is that world leaders at the G7 Summit in Canada today are prioritizing ocean health, calling for aggressive measures to combat plastic pollution and climate change.

— marc benioff, WIRED, "It’s Time for the Next Wave of Ocean Exploration and Protection," 8 June 2018
And the starting rotation enjoyed great health in 2010, the franchise’s most recent winning season.

— tom krasovic, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Padres' home now means home runs are less rare, and that's a tradeoff," 8 June 2018
Scientists aren’t sure how these low-oxygen bouts affect narwhal health, but as humans keep encroaching on their habitat, these marine mammals may have to rely on desperate dives more often.

— National Geographic, "Why Humpback Whale Babies Whisper to Mom," 8 June 2018
One wealthy diarist who helped found the scientific Royal Society of London wrote in 1659 that coal smoke was ruining the city and wrecking citizens’ health.

— david r. baker, San Francisco Chronicle, "‘Energy: A Human History,’ by Richard Rhodes," 7 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'health.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of health

Middle English helthe, from Old English hǣlth, from hāl

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

health Synonyms

Other Medicine Terms

analgesia, angina, diabetes, hepatitis, homeopathy, logorrhea, palliate, pandemic

HEALTH Defined for English Language Learners

health

noun

Definition of health for English Language Learners

: the condition of being well or free from disease
: the overall condition of someone's body or mind
: the condition or state of something

HEALTH Defined for Kids

health

noun \ ˈhelth \

Definition of health for Students

1 : the condition of being free from illness or disease

2 : the overall condition of the body

He is in good health.

Medical Dictionary

health

noun, often attributive \ ˈhelth \

medical Definition of health

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