health

noun

ˈhelth How to pronounce health (audio)
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

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 on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Back pain and other health issues plagued him in the lead-up to his 2025 tour, but Snider was eager to persevere, trusting in the songs themselves to lighten the load. Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 17 Nov. 2025 Boston Fed President Eric Rosengren and Dallas Fed chief Robert Kaplan each announced their early retirement after the revelations, with Rosengren citing ill health. Amara Omeokwe, Fortune, 16 Nov. 2025 By maintaining all cells within an optimal temperature range, battery life is extended, the state of health (SoH) is protected, and the overall lifespan is enhanced. Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 16 Nov. 2025 Italian star Damiano David canceled his participation last minute due to health reasons, according to a statement released on his social media. Natalia Cano, Billboard, 16 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for health

Word History

Etymology

Middle English helthe, from Old English hǣlth, from hāl

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of health was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Health.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/health. Accessed 23 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

health

noun
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

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

Medical Definition

health

noun
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

More from Merriam-Webster on health

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