public health

noun

: the art and science dealing with the protection and improvement of community health by organized community effort and including preventive medicine and sanitary and social science

Example Sentences

a disease that poses a serious threat to public health She got her degree in public health. Public health officials warned of an influenza outbreak.

Recent Examples on the Web Federal court dockets have been filled with high-profile challenges to agency rules in recent years, especially with regard to agencies that deal with hot-button topics like the environment or public health. —

Tami Abdollah, USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 2023 One of the larger challenges in 2023 and the years ahead will be maintaining high levels of government investment in pandemic preparedness and public health. —

Jennifer Duggan, Time, 15 Jan. 2023 The program is a reflection of the desperate need for new sources of water in a state that tapped most of its easy supplies long ago, leaving tough choices that will affect future lifestyles, landscapes, the economy and public health. —

Ralph Vartabedian Mette Lampcov, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2023 Hired by the late Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-MD), Trumka developed a reputation for his work on issues of product safety, consumer protection, and public health. —

Breanne Deppisch, Washington Examiner, 12 Jan. 2023 Eggman said the CARE Court initiative seeks to strike a balance between civil rights and public health. —

Rachel Bluth, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2023 The move followed recommendations from a panel of PFAS and public health experts, business leaders and others convened by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. —

Keith Matheny, Detroit Free Press, 8 Jan. 2023 Eggman said the CARE Court initiative seeks to strike a balance between civil rights and public health. —

Rachel Bluth, San Francisco Chronicle, 7 Jan. 2023 The Trump administration decision prompted an outcry among environmental and public health groups. —

Ella Nilsen, CNN, 6 Jan. 2023 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'public health.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1617, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of public health was in 1617

See more words from the same year

Dictionary Entries Near public health

public funds

public health

public highway

See More Nearby Entries

Cite this Entry

Style

“Public health.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/public%20health. Accessed 28 Jan. 2023.

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Medical Definition

public health

noun

pub·lic health ˌpəb-lik-

: the art and science dealing with the protection and improvement of community health by organized community effort and including preventive medicine and sanitary and social science