1
: of, relating to, or concerned with physicians or the practice of medicine
the medical profession
a medical journal
2
: requiring or devoted to medical treatment
a medical problem
an important advance in medical science

Examples of medical in a Sentence

He has a dangerous medical condition. The report was published in a leading medical journal. Her recovery was a medical miracle. He opened his own medical practice. an important advance in medical science
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.
Doctors record medical advice in short clips designed for engagement. — Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2026 If symptoms appear later, they can be documented with a qualified medical provider. — Matthew Kayser, Miami Herald, 21 Sep. 2026 These materials are everywhere, holding together packages, keeping labels on bottles, securing medical dressings, and positioning posters on many a bedroom wall. — New Atlas, 21 Sep. 2026 After giving Soto emergency medical care, responders took her to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead, state police said. — Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 21 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for medical

Word History

Etymology

French or Late Latin; French médical, from Late Latin medicalis, from Latin medicus physician, from mederi to remedy, heal; akin to Avestan vī-mad- healer, Greek medesthai to be mindful of — more at mete

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of medical was in 1646

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Medical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/medical. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

medical

adjective
1
: of, relating to, or concerned with the science or practice of medicine
a medical education
2
: requiring, providing, or used in medical treatment
medical emergencies
a medical device

Medical Definition

medical

1 of 2 adjective
1
: of, relating to, or concerned with physicians or the practice of medicine often as distinguished from surgery
2
: requiring or devoted to medical treatment
a medical emergency

medical

2 of 2 noun
: a medical examination
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!