health care

noun

variants or healthcare

ˈhelth-ˌker 

 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

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Word History

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined above

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 providers

health-care coverage