health

noun, often attributive \ ˈhelth also ˈheltth \

|Updated on: 11 Aug 2018

Examples: health in a Sentence

Definition of health

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 oceans
—Peter Wilkinson

b : 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

Plenty of research measures the health impact of stress and negative feelings, says Erica Sloan, a biologist at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia.

— esther landhuis, Scientific American, "Could Brain Stimulation Slow Cancer?," 13 July 2018
Unlike our current fragmented mess of a health care system, Medicare-for-all would ensure that Americans no longer have their health outcomes determined by the free market’s whims.

— ed kilgore, Daily Intelligencer, "Medicare for All Won’t Bring Medicare to All," 13 July 2018
Those interested in serving as a substitute teacher, secretary, custodian, food service worker, bus driver, bus attendant, school nurse or health assistant should submit an online application by July 27.

— staff report, Post-Tribune, "Community news," 13 July 2018
The dispute stems from Corizon’s decision to pay St. Luke’s at the Medicaid rate for services the health system provided between July 1, 2014, and March 26, 2018.

— audrey dutton, idahostatesman, "St. Luke's sues prison contractor over $12 million in medical bills," 13 July 2018
Chase had been a behavioral health specialist who worked with soldiers suffering from post traumatic stress disorder.

— julie gallant, Ramona Sentinel, "Garden advocate wants Ramona Street completion off priority list," 11 July 2018
It was announced this morning (July 9) that the queen and Prince Philip would not make the trip to the Chapel Royal at St. James' Palace due to a busy schedule this week (not because of health concerns as some had feared).

— abby gardner, Glamour, "Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Aren't Prince Louis' Godparents—Here's Why," 9 July 2018
This iconic spot is where Noirmoutier first developed its reputation as a sunny seaside resort in the mid-19th century, and the Bois de la Chaise welcomed a new trend: good-for-your-health open water swimming.

— mary winston nicklin, Condé Nast Traveler, "The Small Island Where the Tour de France Begins Is Actually a Vacationer's Paradise," 3 July 2018
Coastal development and boat activity jeopardize their health, too.

— julia belluz, Vox, "Hawaii is banning sunscreens that kill coral reefs," 2 July 2018

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

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

health Synonyms

Other Medicine Terms

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

HEALTH Defined for English Language Learners

health

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

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

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