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
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 oceansPeter Wilkinson
b
: general condition or state
poor economic health
3
: a toast to someone's health or prosperity

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.
Local health officials are working to reach everyone who may have had contact with the infected individual, and they are expected to do so in this case, said Preston Merchant, a spokesman for the San Mateo County health department. Jakob Rodgers, The Mercury News, 17 Nov. 2024 Since 2013, Hoskin has been transplanting armoured mist frogs from the surviving population into new, similarly sunny habitats and closely monitoring the health of these new colonies. Martin J. Kernan, Discover Magazine, 16 Nov. 2024 Williams underwent a health screening for respiratory problems, but was sent back to work, the lawsuit said. Noelle Phillips, The Denver Post, 15 Nov. 2024 This increase is mainly due to the sales of health and beauty products and online platform services. Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near health

Cite this Entry

“Health.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/health. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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