rehab

noun

re·​hab ˈrē-ˌhab 

often attributive

1

: the action or process of rehabilitating : rehabilitation

especially : a program for rehabilitating especially drug or alcohol abusers

2

: a rehabilitated building or dwelling

rehab verb

rehabber

ˈrē-ˌha-bər 

noun

Synonyms of rehab

• rehabilitation
• recovery

Examples of rehab in a Sentence

The rehab for his leg injury is going well.

the accident victim had to undergo months of rehab before she could walk again

Recent Examples on the Web

Billy broke multiple bones around his body and spent eight months in a rehab center before being able to function properly again on skis. —Ben Church, CNN Money, 4 Feb. 2026

The Giants also might have to play at least part of the season without top receiver Malik Nabers (torn ACL), and running back Cam Skattebo’s rehab status is not yet clear. —Pat Leonard, Hartford Courant, 4 Feb. 2026

In early February 2010, as the Vancouver Games were about to begin, Pearce was transferred from a hospital in Utah to a facility in Denver specializing in TBI rehab. —Sean Gregory, Time, 3 Feb. 2026

Beattie is a former rugby player who owns an injury rehab clinic near his home in Scotland. —Sara Talpos — Undark, STAT, 3 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

short for rehabilitation or rehabilitate

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

rehab

noun

re·​hab ˈrē-ˌhab 

often attributive

: rehabilitation

especially : a program for rehabilitating especially drug or alcohol abusers