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

Kansas City Royals pitcher Kris Bubic didn’t respond well following his most recent rehab start this week. —Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 13 June 2026

Skubal made one rehab start, allowing two hits over five shutout innings for Detroit's High-A affiliate. —CBS News, 12 June 2026

Edman nearing return Dodgers utility player Tommy Edman (right ankle surgery) is nearing the end of his minor-league rehab assignment. —Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026

But things won’t be easy, since Rob-Will (Jai Courtney) has escaped from rehab and will immediately cause trouble. —William Earl, Variety, 12 June 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