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

Barring a setback in his final minor league rehab appearance, he could be activated in time for the playoffs. — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026

Following surgery in May and a rehab that forced him to miss 93 games this season, Story has made a quiet but impactful return to the team. — Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026

Another possibility, given the circumstances, could be Swanson gets activated from the IL on Friday without getting into a rehab game. — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 16 Sep. 2026

Taylor said her son is being moved to a rehab facility on Wednesday. — Shardaa Gray, CBS News, 16 Sep. 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