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.
The pilots informed air traffic controllers ahead of landing that one person had a bloody nose and another person had bite marks and requested that medical personnel be waiting at the gate. — ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026 The measure identifies public safety as a priority, including 911 emergency and medical response and police and fire protection. — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 12 Oct. 2026 Its end markets include apparel and footwear, as well as medical, military, automotive and manufactured rubber products. — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026 Active and defunct medical practices of all sizes across every region of the state were analyzed. — Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 12 Oct. 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 16 Oct. 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
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