health

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noun, often attributive \ˈhelth also ˈheltth\

Definition of health

1a : 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 healthb : the general condition of the body How is your mother's health? in poor health enjoys good health
2a : a condition in which someone or something is thriving or doing well : well-being defending the health of the beloved oceans — Peter Wilkinsonb : 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

President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to let the health law fail as a way of building political leverage.

— zachary tracer, Bloomberg.com, "The GOP Failed to Replace the ACA. Can Congress Fix What’s Wrong?," 20 July 2017
FILE - In this June 22, 2017, file photo Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., arrives for a Senate Republican meeting on a health reform bill on Capitol Hill in Washington.

— Washington Post, "Doctors consider next treatment for McCain’s brain tumor," 20 July 2017
As a result, the number of OB/GYNs in the U.S. will likely soon decline, and those remaining may struggle to keep up with demands for women’s health care.

— lisa ryan, The Cut, "The U.S. Is at Risk for an OB/GYN Shortage," 20 July 2017
Although Trader Joe's doesn't label itself as a health food store, none of its private-label products have hydrogenated oils, artificial flavors, preservatives, synthetic colors or GMOs.

— lucy berry, AL.com, "Trader Joe's in Huntsville? Bridge Street, Providence push for expansion," 19 July 2017
The massive data set may have helped people avoid diabetes and other health issues, the researchers suggest.

— ryan cross, Science | AAAS, "‘Scientific wellness’ study—and a famed biologist’s spinoff company—divide researchers," 19 July 2017
Other research has already shown that a dad's age can affect his child's health.

— suzannah weiss, Glamour, "Men Have Biological Clocks, Too — So Why Do We Only Talk About Women's?," 19 July 2017
For instance, the policy states, inmates will not be cited for any violations that occur as a result of them being placed in mental health restraints.

— ames alexander, charlotteobserver, "Amid outcry, N.C. to limit use of solitary confinement for prisoners," 19 July 2017
The Texas senator argues that the proposal would help drive down premiums and offer Americans greater freedom in choosing their health-insurance policies.

— vanityfair.com, "The Republican Health-Care Plan Just Suffered a Major Setback," 17 July 2017

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

See Words from the same year

Other Medicine Terms

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

HEALTH Defined for English Language Learners

health

play

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

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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

play

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 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