vital signs

plural noun

1

: signs of life

… frightened even more by the fact that a few months ago you were clinically dead—that's right, dead—all vital signs gone.

—Asa Baber

specifically : the pulse rate, respiratory rate, body temperature, and blood pressure of a person

Her vital signs and findings from physical examination were normal, and she was not hospitalized.

—John P. Hanrahan et al.

2

: measurable variables considered to indicate the general state or condition of something

The economy's vital signs are stronger than they have been in years. Companies are posting jobs faster than they can find workers to fill them.

—Ben Casselman

He proposes that living things act as a single, coordinated entity that maintains the earth's temperature and other vital signs within very narrow limits that are to the entity's own benefit.

—Michael Oppenheimer

Note: The singular vital sign is sometimes used for a single sign or measurement.

… a specific vital sign, such as temperature, oil pressure, and the rpm of the power turbine and gas producer.

—Jay Coyle

Note: The singular form is also often used before another noun.

vital sign monitors

vital sign data

Examples of vital signs in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Between April 27, 2022, and June 2, 2022, Walton documented and signed 27 comprehensive nursing notes, including assessments, vital signs, medication administration and intake/output. —Amber Gaudet june 4, Charlotte Observer, 4 June 2026

But my part, especially in season one, was pretty limited to reading vital signs and just helping out. —Ilana Kaplan, PEOPLE, 2 June 2026

Beyond six weeks, women continue to receive measures of vital signs and group education monthly until 12 months. —Yenupini Joyce Adams, The Conversation, 27 May 2026

Second, the chatbot would provide directions to obtain vital signs — stand on a nearby scale, please, after removing shoes and coat. —Risa Jampel, STAT, 22 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1801, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for vital signs

• borderlines
• byzantines
• concubines
• cytokines
• lymphokines
• palatines
• porcupines
• pyridines
• redefines
• storylines
• underlines
• undermines

Kids Definition

vital signs

plural noun

: the pulse rate, body temperature, number of breaths taken per minute, and often blood pressure of a person

Medical Definition

vital signs

noun plural

: signs of life

specifically : the pulse rate, respiratory rate, body temperature, and often blood pressure of a person