health care

noun

variants or healthcare
ˈhelth-ˌker How to pronounce health care (audio)
 also  ˈheltth-
: efforts made to maintain or restore physical, mental, or emotional well-being especially by trained and licensed professionals
usually hyphenated when used attributively
health-care providers

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web That’s because of higher cost of health care, limited access to specialized care, and less ability to afford care. Annie Berman, Anchorage Daily News, 14 May 2023 China refuses ties with any country that recognizes Taiwan, and in turn, Taiwan has invested heavily in its remaining allies in areas like technology, transportation, and health care. Erika Page, The Christian Science Monitor, 28 Apr. 2023 However, Khalil said that studies are lacking on the potential role of supplements, non-medical, and non-hormonal agents in women’s health care. Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 28 Apr. 2023 That’s why many people and, most recently, those working in health care, have decided to ease up on wearing masks. Christina Hall, Detroit Free Press, 27 Apr. 2023 Mostly because of the pandemic’s disruptions to health care, 67 million children missed routine childhood vaccinations between 2019 and 2021, and measles cases more than doubled from 2021 to 2022. Byjeffrey Brainard, science.org, 27 Apr. 2023 Ahearn says the results are encouraging, and led to better diagnostic rates and health care. Ashley Lutz, Fortune Well, 26 Apr. 2023 Inferences made from unprotected data can be used to discriminate against individuals seeking health care, as health insurance companies and government agencies increasingly incorporate available data into their investigations and decision making. IEEE Spectrum, 25 Apr. 2023 Hammocked in their Social Security safety nets, sick on vacation mania and free health care. Brandon Sanchez, Vulture, 24 Apr. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'health care.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of health care was in 1940

Dictionary Entries Near health care

Cite this Entry

“Health care.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/health%20care. Accessed 4 Jun. 2023.

Medical Definition

health care

noun
variants or healthcare
: the maintaining and restoration of health by the treatment and prevention of disease especially by trained and licensed professionals (as in medicine, dentistry, clinical psychology, and public health)
We developed penicillin, heart surgery and transplants, among many other breakthroughs that have transformed health care.Thomas Fishbein
Medicare payments for home healthcare will also be reduced by $40 billion over 10 years.Peter Grier
Pregnant health care workers should wash their hands more frequently than usual and be extra-careful when handling infectious objects.Maria LaPiana
sometimes hyphenated when used before another noun
health-care providershealth-care coverage

More from Merriam-Webster on health care

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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