health

noun

ˈhelth 

also ˈheltth

often attributive

1

a

: the condition of being sound in body, mind, or spirit

She is the picture of health.

especially : freedom from physical disease or pain

nursed them back to health

see also mental health

b

: the general condition of the body

in good/poor health

How is your mother's health?

At the wedding reception, we drank to their health.

enjoys good health

see also health care

2

a

: a condition in which someone or something is thriving or doing well : well-being

… defending the health of the beloved oceans.

—Peter Wilkinson

see also bill of health

b

: general condition or state

poor economic health

Investors are worried about the company's health.

3

archaic : a toast to someone's health or prosperity

proposed the health of the guests

Synonyms of health

• fitness
• wellness
• healthiness
• strength
• soundness
• wholesomeness
• agility
• vigor

Examples of health in a Sentence

We nursed him back to health.

He's in good health these days.

He has continued to enjoy good health in his old age.

Smoking is bad for your health.

He is concerned about his sister's mental health.

We must protect the health of our oceans.

The economy is in a period of robust financial health.

Investors are worried about the company's health.

Recent Examples on the Web

For Wednesday’s bill signing, Newsom held a public ceremony alongside labor leaders and health access advocates who pushed lawmakers to consider the tax. — Naomi Taxay, Sacbee.com, 10 July 2026

California has logged 41 cyclosporiasis cases this year, most tied to international travel, and none linked to the current outbreak — but health officials are watching for Midwestern spillover. — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026

Besides Miami, the trial — which Nelson describes as the first of its kind in the nation — will also be conducted at several other academic health centers in the country, as well as in Israel. — Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 10 July 2026

One thing that could hurt the Giants’ vibe moving forward is the health of outfielder Victor Bericoto, who left the game with an oblique injury after striking out on a foul tip in the fifth inning. — Christian Babcock, Mercury News, 10 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English helthe, from Old English hǣlth, from hāl

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing health

• anomalous health incident
• bill of health
• electronic health record
• give (someone or something) a clean bill of health
• health care
• health club
• health farm
• health food
• health insurance
• health maintenance organization
• health spa
• health span
• in rude health
• mental health
• mental health day
• public health

Rhymes for health

• stealth
• wealth
• bridewealth
• commonwealth
• telehealth

Kids Definition

health

noun

ˈhelth 

1

a

: the condition of being sound in body, mind, or spirit

especially : freedom from disease

b

: the overall condition of the body

in poor health

2

: flourishing condition

3

: a toast to someone's health or success

drink a health

Etymology

Old English hǣlth "health," from hāl "healthy" — related to hale entry 1

Medical Definition

health

noun

ˈhelth 

often attributive

1

: the condition of an organism or one of its parts in which it performs its vital functions normally or properly : the state of being sound in body or mind

dental health

mental health

especially : freedom from physical disease and pain

nursed him back to health

compare disease

2

: the condition of an organism with respect to the performance of its vital functions especially as evaluated subjectively or nonprofessionally

how is your health today